Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crete, NE (2024 Update)
- Crete Solar Installation Cost: $23,223
- 25-Year Savings: $19,900
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crete
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Crete.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Crete, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.3-kW system would cost about $23,223 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Crete depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crete
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,133 |
| 3 years | $-19,954 |
| 5 years | $-17,775 |
| 7 years | $-15,596 |
| 9 years | $-13,416 |
| 11 years | $-11,237 |
| 13 years | $-9,058 |
| 15 years | $-6,879 |
| 17 years | $-4,700 |
| 19 years | $-2,520 |
| 21 years | $-341 |
| 23 years | $1,838 |
| 25 years | $4,017 |
Top Solar Installers in Crete
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Crete
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crete
Although the average cost of a solar system in Crete is $23,223, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,580 per kilowatt in Crete.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Crete average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Crete homeowners, they can also raise 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Crete’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Crete are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,133 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,578 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,224 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,070 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,116 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,363 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $32,811 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $37,459 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Crete, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Crete, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crete?
The average cost of solar panels in Crete 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Crete?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Crete. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.