Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wahoo, NE (Mar 2023)
- Wahoo Solar Installation Cost: $18,740
- 25-Year Savings: $18,961
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wahoo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Wahoo.
In Wahoo, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Wahoo, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,740, or $26,798 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wahoo find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Wahoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,232 |
| 3 years | $-14,216 |
| 5 years | $-11,200 |
| 7 years | $-8,184 |
| 9 years | $-5,168 |
| 11 years | $-2,151 |
| 13 years | $865 |
| 15 years | $3,881 |
| 17 years | $6,897 |
| 19 years | $9,913 |
| 21 years | $12,929 |
| 23 years | $15,945 |
| 25 years | $18,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Wahoo
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Wahoo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wahoo
The cost of installing a solar system in Wahoo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,830. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more 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 limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Wahoo, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wahoo is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 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.