Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seward, NE (2024 Update)
- Seward Solar Installation Cost: $23,428
- 25-Year Savings: $23,831
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seward
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Seward.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Seward it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Seward is around 9.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $23,428 for a solar installation, or $33,502 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Seward 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.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Seward find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Seward that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Seward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,206 |
| 3 years | $-19,762 |
| 5 years | $-17,318 |
| 7 years | $-14,873 |
| 9 years | $-12,429 |
| 11 years | $-9,985 |
| 13 years | $-7,541 |
| 15 years | $-5,097 |
| 17 years | $-2,653 |
| 19 years | $-209 |
| 21 years | $2,236 |
| 23 years | $4,680 |
| 25 years | $7,124 |
Top Solar Installers in Seward
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
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 Seward:
See all of the solar companies in Seward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seward
Although the average cost of a solar system in Seward is $23,428, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Seward to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $11,543 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $15,792 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $20,241 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $24,891 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $29,741 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $34,791 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $40,042 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $45,494 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Seward, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seward?
The average cost of solar panels in Seward 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Seward?
Each state has some kind 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 utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.