Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, NE (2024 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $22,032
- 25-Year Savings: $32,379
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sidney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sidney generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 8.8-kW system would cost about $22,032 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sidney homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Sidney, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,454 |
| 3 years | $-17,298 |
| 5 years | $-14,141 |
| 7 years | $-10,985 |
| 9 years | $-7,829 |
| 11 years | $-4,673 |
| 13 years | $-1,517 |
| 15 years | $1,640 |
| 17 years | $4,796 |
| 19 years | $7,952 |
| 21 years | $11,108 |
| 23 years | $14,264 |
| 25 years | $17,421 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
See all of the solar companies in Sidney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,580. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sidney, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Sidney’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $18,346 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $24,862 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $31,579 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $38,496 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $45,614 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $52,932 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $60,451 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $68,170 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
EcoWatch's Sidney, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sidney?
The average cost of solar panels in Sidney is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sidney is currently $148,149, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,074 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sidney is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.