Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gretna, NE (2024 Update)
- Gretna Solar Installation Cost: $23,804
- 25-Year Savings: $20,672
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gretna
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gretna.
The average cost of solar panels in Gretna is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $23,804 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gretna homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gretna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,554 |
| 3 years | $-20,054 |
| 5 years | $-17,555 |
| 7 years | $-15,056 |
| 9 years | $-12,556 |
| 11 years | $-10,057 |
| 13 years | $-7,558 |
| 15 years | $-5,058 |
| 17 years | $-2,559 |
| 19 years | $-60 |
| 21 years | $2,440 |
| 23 years | $4,939 |
| 25 years | $7,438 |
Top Solar Installers in Gretna
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Gretna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gretna
While the average cost of a solar system in Gretna is $23,804, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $3,580. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gretna, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Gretna, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,306 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,809 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,513 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,417 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,521 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,826 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,332 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $38,038 | 13.6 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Gretna, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gretna?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gretna?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.