Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, NE (2023 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $32,379
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
We go over average solar pricing in Sidney.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sidney is 2.83 per watt. The average Sidney homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,413 with the federal tax credit, or $24,901 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sidney can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,250 |
| 3 years | $-16,918 |
| 5 years | $-16,586 |
| 7 years | $-16,254 |
| 9 years | $-15,922 |
| 11 years | $-15,590 |
| 13 years | $-15,258 |
| 15 years | $-14,926 |
| 17 years | $-14,594 |
| 19 years | $-14,262 |
| 21 years | $-13,931 |
| 23 years | $-13,599 |
| 25 years | $-13,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Sidney: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,830 per kilowatt in Sidney. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sidney, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sidney is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,622 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $29,146 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $36,829 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $44,670 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $52,670 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $60,828 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $69,145 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $77,620 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Sidney?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sidney. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Sidney have a net metering program?
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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.