Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seward, NE (Mar 2023)
- Seward Solar Installation Cost: $18,522
- 25-Year Savings: $23,829
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seward
We break down average solar pricing in Seward.
In Seward, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Seward is around 9.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,522 for a solar installation, or $26,486 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Seward homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Seward, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Seward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,828 |
| 3 years | $-13,440 |
| 5 years | $-10,052 |
| 7 years | $-6,664 |
| 9 years | $-3,276 |
| 11 years | $112 |
| 13 years | $3,500 |
| 15 years | $6,888 |
| 17 years | $10,276 |
| 19 years | $13,664 |
| 21 years | $17,052 |
| 23 years | $20,441 |
| 25 years | $23,829 |
Top Solar Installers in Seward
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Seward:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Seward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seward
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Seward to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Seward have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.94 | $12,361 | $14,819 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $20,076 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $25,491 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $31,065 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $36,797 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $42,687 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $48,736 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $54,944 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Seward, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Seward, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seward?
The average cost of solar panels in Seward is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Seward?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Seward?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Seward?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.