Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wahoo, NE (2023 Update)
- Wahoo Solar Installation Cost: $18,743
- 25-Year Savings: $18,959
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wahoo
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Wahoo.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wahoo generally cost around 2.83. Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Wahoo, the average price of going solar will be about $18,740 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Wahoo see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wahoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,493 |
| 3 years | $-14,994 |
| 5 years | $-12,495 |
| 7 years | $-9,995 |
| 9 years | $-7,496 |
| 11 years | $-4,997 |
| 13 years | $-2,497 |
| 15 years | $2 |
| 17 years | $2,501 |
| 19 years | $5,001 |
| 21 years | $7,500 |
| 23 years | $10,000 |
| 25 years | $12,499 |
Top Solar Installers in Wahoo
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Wahoo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wahoo
Although the average cost of a solar system in Wahoo is $18,740, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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, your total will most likely increase by about $2,830. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wahoo, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wahoo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wahoo, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $11,547 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $15,713 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $20,037 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $24,520 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $29,162 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $33,962 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $38,920 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $44,037 | 11.2 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Wahoo, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wahoo?
The average cost of solar panels in Wahoo 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 stuff 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 Wahoo?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 Wahoo?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.