Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gering, NE (2024 Update)

  • Gering Solar Installation Cost: $22,294
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,060
  • Payback Period: 10.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gering

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Gering.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gering it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Gering, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $22,294, or $31,880 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Gering depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Gering

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,522
3 years $-16,977
5 years $-13,432
7 years $-9,887
9 years $-6,343
11 years $-2,798
13 years $747
15 years $4,292
17 years $7,836
19 years $11,381
21 years $14,926
23 years $18,471
25 years $22,016

Top Solar Installers in Gering

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Gering, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Gering

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gering

For many Gering homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gering, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,580. 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gering average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gering to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gering homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Gering’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $19,895 11.0 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $26,927 10.8 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $34,160 10.6 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $41,594 10.4 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $49,228 10.2 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $57,062 9.9 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $65,097 9.7 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $73,332 9.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure 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.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Gering, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gering?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gering?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in Gering?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.

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