Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wahoo, NE (2024 Update)
- Wahoo Solar Installation Cost: $23,710
- 25-Year Savings: $18,959
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wahoo
We go over average solar pricing in Wahoo.
In Wahoo, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Wahoo homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,710 with the federal tax credit, or $33,905 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Wahoo based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wahoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,461 |
| 3 years | $-19,961 |
| 5 years | $-17,462 |
| 7 years | $-14,963 |
| 9 years | $-12,463 |
| 11 years | $-9,964 |
| 13 years | $-7,465 |
| 15 years | $-4,965 |
| 17 years | $-2,466 |
| 19 years | $34 |
| 21 years | $2,533 |
| 23 years | $5,032 |
| 25 years | $7,532 |
Top Solar Installers in Wahoo
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Wahoo, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Wahoo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Wahoo provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,271 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,429 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,787 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,346 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,106 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $26,066 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,226 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $34,587 | 14.2 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 picking 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 align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- 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 check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover 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 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 $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Wahoo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Wahoo. 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Wahoo?
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.