Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ogallala, NE (2024 Update)
- Ogallala Solar Installation Cost: $22,203
- 25-Year Savings: $27,416
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ogallala
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ogallala.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ogallala, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ogallala is around 8.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,203 for a solar installation, or $31,750 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Ogallala based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Ogallala, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ogallala
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,750 |
| 3 years | $-17,845 |
| 5 years | $-14,940 |
| 7 years | $-12,034 |
| 9 years | $-9,129 |
| 11 years | $-6,224 |
| 13 years | $-3,319 |
| 15 years | $-413 |
| 17 years | $2,492 |
| 19 years | $5,397 |
| 21 years | $8,302 |
| 23 years | $11,207 |
| 25 years | $14,113 |
Top Solar Installers in Ogallala
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Ogallala:
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 Ogallala
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ogallala
The cost of installing a solar system in Ogallala can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 about $3,580. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ogallala to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ogallala homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ogallala, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $14,815 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $20,154 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $25,694 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $31,434 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $37,375 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $43,516 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $49,858 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $56,400 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Ogallala, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ogallala?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ogallala?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ogallala. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ogallala is currently $194,671, so you can expect a value of about $7,982 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ogallala is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.