Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Sioux City, NE (2024 Update)
- South Sioux City Solar Installation Cost: $24,327
- 25-Year Savings: $22,638
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Sioux City
We break down average solar pricing in South Sioux City.
The average cost of a solar system in South Sioux City is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $24,327 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average South Sioux City homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Sioux City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,139 |
| 3 years | $-20,764 |
| 5 years | $-18,388 |
| 7 years | $-16,012 |
| 9 years | $-13,637 |
| 11 years | $-11,261 |
| 13 years | $-8,885 |
| 15 years | $-6,510 |
| 17 years | $-4,134 |
| 19 years | $-1,758 |
| 21 years | $617 |
| 23 years | $2,993 |
| 25 years | $5,369 |
Top Solar Installers in South Sioux City
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in South Sioux City, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in South Sioux City, we've organized 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 South Sioux City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Sioux City
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,580. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Sioux City average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Sioux City is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,240 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,055 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,069 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $22,285 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $26,700 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $31,317 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $36,133 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $41,151 | 13.1 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 South Sioux City, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Sioux City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
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 South Sioux City is currently $302,419, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,399 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Sioux City is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.