Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hastings, NE (2024 Update)
- Hastings Solar Installation Cost: $22,956
- 25-Year Savings: $18,637
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hastings
We go over average solar pricing in Hastings.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hastings it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hastings is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,956 for a solar installation, or $32,827 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Hastings homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hastings
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,717 |
| 3 years | $-19,239 |
| 5 years | $-16,762 |
| 7 years | $-14,284 |
| 9 years | $-11,806 |
| 11 years | $-9,329 |
| 13 years | $-6,851 |
| 15 years | $-4,374 |
| 17 years | $-1,896 |
| 19 years | $581 |
| 21 years | $3,059 |
| 23 years | $5,537 |
| 25 years | $8,014 |
Top Solar Installers in Hastings
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hastings, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hastings
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hastings
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Hastings, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hastings, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hastings have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hastings homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Hastings’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,456 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,676 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,096 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,716 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,537 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $26,559 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,781 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $35,203 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types 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 installer, make 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 component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Hastings, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hastings?
The average cost of solar panels in Hastings is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Hastings have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.