Installing a renewable energy system in Omaha, Nebraska can be expensive, but the long-term savings can be substantial. The average homeowner in the state can recoup the cost of installing solar panels in around 15 years if they purchase an average-sized system at the national average price. Nebraska residents who install solar panels can sell the extra energy their systems generate to the grid, but they are only reimbursed if they are allowed to avoid the cost. Adding a solar battery to your system increases the initial cost, but it saves you more money in the long run, as you run out of battery when the panels don't produce enough energy to power your home.
Unfortunately, the combination of a higher cost per watt and higher energy consumption means that the initial costs of using solar energy in Nebraska are considerably higher than in most states. While it may seem like giving up a battery is the best way to keep costs down, it could end up hurting in the long run, as some savings would be lost by having to pay for energy at the full retail rate. The cost of installing residential solar panels in Omaha varies depending on the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels in your home, and of course, the number of solar panels you need. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the cost of solar panels in Nebraska has dropped by 54% over the past decade.
By installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, fossil fuel use is reduced, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and energy independence is promoted, while saving money on energy bills. There are three main factors that make solar systems in Nebraska cost more than elsewhere. Nebraska uses an avoidable cost rate for its net energy metering policy, which means that your utility company pays you the amount it would have cost to produce the excess energy you supply to the grid. It's important to note that your solar installer will perform an initial inspection that will include a review of your energy bills for the past few months.
While there is no state program in Nebraska that offers free solar panels, there are several financial incentives, such as the federal tax credit for solar energy and local rebates, that can significantly reduce the net cost of a renewable energy system.
