Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, NE (2024 Update)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $23,265
- 25-Year Savings: $18,239
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Aurora.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Aurora is 4 per watt.The average Aurora homeowner needs a 9.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,265 with the federal tax credit, or $33,269 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Aurora homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,121 |
| 3 years | $-19,834 |
| 5 years | $-17,546 |
| 7 years | $-15,259 |
| 9 years | $-12,971 |
| 11 years | $-10,683 |
| 13 years | $-8,396 |
| 15 years | $-6,108 |
| 17 years | $-3,821 |
| 19 years | $-1,533 |
| 21 years | $755 |
| 23 years | $3,042 |
| 25 years | $5,330 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Aurora, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,580 per kilowatt in Aurora.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Aurora to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,036 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,116 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,396 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $17,877 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $21,558 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $25,439 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $29,521 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $33,804 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Aurora, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aurora?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.