Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waverly, NE (2024 Update)
- Waverly Solar Installation Cost: $23,442
- 25-Year Savings: $19,374
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waverly
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Waverly.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waverly generally cost around 4.Because a 9.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Waverly, the average price of going solar will be about $23,442 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Waverly homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Waverly for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Waverly
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,193 |
| 3 years | $-19,693 |
| 5 years | $-17,194 |
| 7 years | $-14,695 |
| 9 years | $-12,195 |
| 11 years | $-9,696 |
| 13 years | $-7,196 |
| 15 years | $-4,697 |
| 17 years | $-2,198 |
| 19 years | $302 |
| 21 years | $2,801 |
| 23 years | $5,300 |
| 25 years | $7,800 |
Top Solar Installers in Waverly
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Waverly:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waverly
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waverly
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Waverly: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Waverly, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Waverly, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Waverly homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Waverly’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,675 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,968 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,461 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $19,154 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $23,048 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $27,143 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $31,438 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $35,933 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waverly, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waverly?
The average cost of solar panels in Waverly is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waverly?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Waverly. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Waverly?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.