Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, NE (2024 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $22,032
- 25-Year Savings: $32,379
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sidney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sidney generally cost about 4.The average Sidney homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,032 with the federal tax credit, or $31,506 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,454 |
| 3 years | $-17,298 |
| 5 years | $-14,141 |
| 7 years | $-10,985 |
| 9 years | $-7,829 |
| 11 years | $-4,673 |
| 13 years | $-1,517 |
| 15 years | $1,640 |
| 17 years | $4,796 |
| 19 years | $7,952 |
| 21 years | $11,108 |
| 23 years | $14,264 |
| 25 years | $17,421 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Sidney, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sidney, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sidney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney
For many Sidney homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sidney, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,580 per kilowatt in Sidney.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sidney, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sidney to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Sidney’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides 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 | $18,346 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $24,862 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $31,579 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $38,496 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $45,614 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $52,932 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $60,451 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $68,170 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Sidney, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sidney?
The average cost of solar panels in Sidney 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sidney is currently $148,149, so you can expect a value of about $6,074 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sidney is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.