Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Nebraska.
Nebraska is increasingly making a name for itself in the realm of solar energy.
Despite its ranking as 47th in the nation for solar capacity as of mid-2023, the state has shown remarkable growth and potential in this sector. Notable large-scale projects like Norfolk’s 8.5 MW solar installation, the state's largest, and the forward-looking 5.2 MW facility in Scottsbluff, exemplify Nebraska’s commitment to embracing renewable energy.
These achievements, coupled with the state's growing number of solar installations, reflect a significant shift towards sustainable energy solutions in the Cornhusker State.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Nebraska is $16,980 for a 6kW system or about $2.83 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Nebraska | $2.83 | |||
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.
I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $8,785 | |
| 6 kW | $10,542 | |
| 7 kW | $12,299 | |
| 8 kW | $14,056 | |
| 10 kW | $17,570 |
Remember, the decision to go solar is a personal one and depends on your specific circumstances and goals. While solar energy offers many benefits, it's important to consider both sides of the coin before making a decision.
In Nebraska, the unique climate and state policies play a significant role in shaping the advantages and challenges of solar viability.
Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.
The decision to get solar can be complex no matter where you live. It’s a big installment to your home and a large investment. While it is a viable decision almost anywhere, the most important take away is to help you decide whether it is a good idea for you. It largely depends on individual circumstances and specific energy needs.
On one hand, Nebraska shows promising growth in solar energy. The state has an increasing amount of its electricity potentially coming from solar sources. The state's solar capacity, incentives like the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, and policies like net metering make solar an attractive option for many.
However, it's crucial to stress that solar investments are not one-size-fits-all solutions. Each home and business has unique requirements. The effectiveness of solar energy can vary greatly depending on factors like location, roof orientation, and energy consumption patterns.
Budgeting plays a critical role in the decision-making process. While solar energy can offer long-term savings and environmental benefits, the initial investment can be substantial. The average cost of solar installations, potential savings from various incentives, and the expected payback period should be carefully evaluated.
Then, coupling the financial assessment with an energy analysis to ensure that the solar system is not only financially feasible but will also meet the energy demands of the property.
In short, solar energy is a great opportunity for sustainable and cost-effective energy in Nebraska. However, it's imperative for homeowners and businesses to undertake a comprehensive analysis and approach of their energy needs and financial capacity to determine if solar is the right choice for them.
If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Nebraska. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
Besides the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. In Nebraska, check with your local utility provider for rebates. It could make your break your solar decision.
This table shows the available incentives in Nebraska. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Agency Renewable Energy Utilization | NE | Regulatory Policy | Energy Standards for Public Buildings |
| Dollar and Energy Savings Loans | NE | Financial Incentive | Loan Program |
| Nebraska Solar and Wind Easements | NE | Regulatory Policy | Solar/Wind Access Policy |
| Ethanol Production Incentive | NE | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Credit |
| Lincoln Electric System - Geothermal Heat Pump Rebate | NE | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Renewable Energy Tax Credit (Corporate) | NE | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Credit |
| Building Energy Code | NE | Regulatory Policy | Building Energy Code |
| Omaha Public Power District - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | NE | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Omaha Public Power District - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | NE | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Twin Valleys Public Power District - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | NE | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
There are hundreds of solar companies in Nebraska. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.
In Scottsbluff, Nebraska, a severe weather event on June 27, 2023, dramatically showcased the vulnerability of solar installations to extreme weather conditions. A 5.2-megawatt solar farm suffered extensive damage when it was hit by baseball-sized hail. It traveled at speeds between 100 to 150 mph. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with solar panel installations in areas prone to severe weather phenomena.
The hailstorm, part of a large supercell thunderhead that moved from eastern Wyoming into Nebraska, left a trail of destruction across the region, including damage to properties and power outages. The impact on the solar farm was particularly notable, with most of the panels being shattered, resembling a sporadically toothless smile. Despite some solar panels being marketed as hail-proof, this extreme event exceeded their resistance limits, causing significant damage.
This event highlights the need for careful consideration of location and environmental factors in the planning and installation of solar energy systems. It also underscores the importance of adequate insurance coverage, particularly in regions like southeast Wyoming and parts of Nebraska, which are known for frequent and intense hailstorms.
As the region sees more development, including the construction of solar farms, the risk of damage from such natural events is likely to increase, making protective measures and insurance considerations even more critical.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Nebraska decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in Nebraska can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Nebraska is $16,980 for a 6kW system or about or about $2.83 per watt.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.
Some skilled DIYers may be able to save some solar installation costs by installing solar equipment themselves. But, any solar installation will require a foundational knowledge of wiring and electricity. There's is a lot that can go wrong, posing a potentially deadly hazard.
Before you try to DIY your system we would recommend getting a quote from a solar installer. You may find that the labor costs of your install is relatively small compared to the cost of the solar equipment itself.
There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home.
Most solar panels come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty, which guarantees a certain level of electricity production. This is also their expected life span but can continue to generate power beyond 30 years. Make sure to read the fine print to understand what's covered and what's not. Some warranties might only cover specific parts of the solar system, like the inverter or the panels themselves.
The inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC) for your home, typically has a shorter lifespan than the panels. You might need to replace it once during the lifetime of your solar system. Factor this into your long-term cost calculations.
Some homeowner's insurance policies will cover solar panels, but it's best to double-check. You may need to add a separate rider or even choose a different insurance provider to ensure your investment is protected.
