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

  • Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $22,954
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,259
  • Payback Period: 14.6 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Kearney

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kearney.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kearney typically cost about 4.The average Kearney homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,954 with the federal tax credit, or $32,824 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Kearney see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kearney that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Kearney

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-21,615
3 years $-18,936
5 years $-16,258
7 years $-13,579
9 years $-10,900
11 years $-8,222
13 years $-5,543
15 years $-2,865
17 years $-186
19 years $2,492
21 years $5,171
23 years $7,849
25 years $10,528

Top Solar Installers in Kearney

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Kearney

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearney

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Kearney: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kearney homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Kearney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Kearney know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $10,174 15.1 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $13,967 14.9 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $17,960 14.6 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $22,153 14.3 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $26,547 14.0 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $31,141 13.7 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $35,936 13.4 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $40,931 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Kearney, NE Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kearney?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Kearney?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Kearney. However, you may still be able to afford 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.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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