Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beatrice, NE (2024 Update)
- Beatrice Solar Installation Cost: $23,159
- 25-Year Savings: $18,450
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beatrice
We break down average solar pricing in Beatrice.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Beatrice it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Beatrice is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $23,159 for a solar installation, or $33,117 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Beatrice
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,069 |
| 3 years | $-19,890 |
| 5 years | $-17,711 |
| 7 years | $-15,531 |
| 9 years | $-13,352 |
| 11 years | $-11,173 |
| 13 years | $-8,994 |
| 15 years | $-6,814 |
| 17 years | $-4,635 |
| 19 years | $-2,456 |
| 21 years | $-277 |
| 23 years | $1,903 |
| 25 years | $4,082 |
Top Solar Installers in Beatrice
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Beatrice, we've 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 Beatrice
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beatrice
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Beatrice: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Beatrice, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Beatrice homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,227 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,370 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,714 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,258 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,003 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $25,948 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,094 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $34,440 | 14.2 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 provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Beatrice, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beatrice?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Beatrice?
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 home 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Beatrice is currently $160,361, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,575 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Beatrice 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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.