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

  • York Solar Installation Cost: $23,306
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,549
  • Payback Period: 16.2 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

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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 York

We break down average solar pricing in York.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in York it’s 4 per watt.The average York homeowner needs a 9.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,306 with the federal tax credit, or $33,328 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 exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average York homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in York for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in York

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-22,024
3 years$-19,460
5 years$-16,896
7 years$-14,332
9 years$-11,768
11 years$-9,204
13 years$-6,640
15 years$-4,076
17 years$-1,512
19 years$1,052
21 years$3,616
23 years$6,180
25 years$8,744

Top Solar Installers in York

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

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 nearby:

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 York

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York

For many York homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in York, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like York, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many York homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk 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 down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$7,57016.8 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$10,49516.5 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$13,62016.2 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$16,94515.9 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$20,47115.5 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$24,19715.2 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$28,12414.9 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$32,25114.6 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.

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 York, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in York?

The average cost of solar panels in York is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in York?

You can’t get solar panels for free in York. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout York, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in York?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.