Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wayne, NE (Mar 2023)
- Wayne Solar Installation Cost: $19,156
- 25-Year Savings: $19,580
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wayne
We go over average solar pricing in Wayne.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wayne it's 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Wayne is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,156 for a solar installation, or $27,393 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Wayne depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Wayne homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy 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 company in Wayne that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wayne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,607 |
| 3 years | $-14,508 |
| 5 years | $-11,409 |
| 7 years | $-8,310 |
| 9 years | $-5,211 |
| 11 years | $-2,112 |
| 13 years | $987 |
| 15 years | $4,086 |
| 17 years | $7,185 |
| 19 years | $10,283 |
| 21 years | $13,382 |
| 23 years | $16,481 |
| 25 years | $19,580 |
Top Solar Installers in Wayne
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost 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
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 Wayne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wayne
For many Wayne homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wayne, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,830. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wayne homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Wayne's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers 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 | $11,666 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $15,872 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $20,236 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $24,759 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $29,440 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $34,280 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $39,278 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $44,434 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- 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 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 Wayne, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wayne?
The average cost of solar panels in Wayne 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wayne?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wayne is currently $137,300, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,629 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wayne is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.