Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Sioux City, NE (2023 Update)
- South Sioux City Solar Installation Cost: $19,236
- 25-Year Savings: $22,633
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Sioux City
We break down average solar pricing in South Sioux City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Sioux City it's 2.83 per watt. The average South Sioux City homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,236 with the federal tax credit, or $27,507 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average South Sioux City homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in South Sioux City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Sioux City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,561 |
| 3 years | $-14,211 |
| 5 years | $-10,862 |
| 7 years | $-7,512 |
| 9 years | $-4,163 |
| 11 years | $-813 |
| 13 years | $2,536 |
| 15 years | $5,886 |
| 17 years | $9,235 |
| 19 years | $12,585 |
| 21 years | $15,934 |
| 23 years | $19,284 |
| 25 years | $22,633 |
Top Solar Installers in South Sioux City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in South Sioux City, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 South Sioux City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Sioux City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in South Sioux City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in South Sioux City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Sioux City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Sioux City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Sioux City is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,516 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,339 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,319 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,459 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,756 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,213 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,827 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,601 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 South Sioux City, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Sioux City?
The average cost of solar panels in South Sioux City 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in South Sioux City?
Solar panels aren't free in South Sioux City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does South Sioux City have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in South Sioux City?
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 level 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.