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Best Solar Companies in Nebraska

We compared 40 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Pro install
      ION Solar
      4.4(114)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Nebraska

      ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal. Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide.

      Our top solar company picks

      Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,567,379 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      Our pick for professional installation

      ION Solar

      4.4
      114 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar stands out for its strong customer service and knowledgeable installers. The company offers various solar panel and system options to meet different needs and budgets. We suggest getting a personalized quote to determine if ION Solar is the best fit for you.

      “Signing up was easy. They talked about how it would reduce our electric bill, which it has. The installers were courteous. They knocked on the door and let us know they were here. They went out and did their thing in the attic. Then they went outside, installed and let us know they were done.” — LuAnn in Omaha

      Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. We also think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided.

      ION Solar operates in several states, including Nebraska. NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      ION Solar services

      • Solar system design and installations
      • Roofing services
      • Energy production monitoring
      • Ongoing system maintenance

      ION Solar panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty. All work performed on your home during the installation is covered for 10 years.

      You can purchase the system outright or finance it through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Some installation delays

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is a great option if you need to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. We like that it has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar does not offer professional installation services. It’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer selling custom solar kits and equipment like generators, batteries, cables and racks. Top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow can be found. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Custom solar kits
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: Partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR as of publishing.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      Nebraska solar panel buyers guide

      Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and look out for when buying solar panels in Nebraska.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel system costs $7,840 to $22,400 in Nebraska.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels.

      Jump to insight

      Hiring a company with plenty of local experience will make it easier to navigate regulations, permits and incentives.

      Jump to insight

      What to look for in a solar company in Nebraska

      The best solar energy companies have a few things in common: fantastic reviews, transparent pricing, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. When hiring a solar installer in Nebraska, here is what you'll want to look for:

      • Check certifications: Solar installers doing electrical work have to be licensed by the Nebraska State Electrical Division. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Nebraska.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services — ask.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Nebraska?

      Average solar panel costs in Nebraska typically range between $7,840 and $22,400. This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Nebraska, the average cost per watt is $2.24.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Nebraska

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but many finance instead. A solar loan works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay it back over time with interest.

      Alternatively, you can lease solar panels. There are pros and cons to leasing. It’s sometimes cheaper in the short term, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, including the federal solar investment tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Nebraska

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is often the best financial incentive for homeowners. It’s a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. So, it’s only helpful if you owe federal income taxes in the first place.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

      Additional solar incentives in Nebraska include a 100% property tax exemption on solar panels.

      » GREENEST STATES: Nebraska ranked 27th in 2024

      Are solar panels worth it in Nebraska?

      Installing solar panels is worth it for a lot of Nebraska homeowners. The state tends to get a fair amount of sunlight, especially during the summertime. This sunlight can be converted into solar power, essentially generating “free” electricity.

      But you still have to pay for the panels themselves. It’s the high upfront costs that keep many people from making the switch to solar. When deciding if it makes financial sense for you, think about three main things:

      1. How much electricity do you use every month? If you use a lot of electricity, solar panels may save you more money on your bills.
      2. How much are your current electric bills? If your bills are high now, solar panels may cut these costs substantially.
      3. Where do you live in Nebraska? Cities like Omaha and Lincoln have higher electric rates, which increases your potential savings from solar panels over time. Additionally, more remote and shaded areas may not produce enough solar savings to be worth the upfront installation cost.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar panels, the investment is at least worth considering. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator can estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Nebraskans with solar panels can avoid $53,725 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Nebraska averages 4.5 to 5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      Can I get free solar panels in Nebraska?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Nebraska. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      How does net metering work in Nebraska?

      Net metering lets homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate. In Nebraska, excess credits are usually rolled over to the next billing period. Some utilities may offer a small cash-out option at the avoided-cost rate, but it's typically not a full retail rate payout. To qualify, you must have a system of 25 kilowatts (kW) or less.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Nebraska customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%
      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Nebraska. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Nebraskans’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks.

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Nebraska Programs.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Nebraska.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Nebraska Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Nebraska, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. Nebraska Legislature, “LB49 - Change provisions relating to solar energy and wind energy, declare certain instruments void and unenforceable, and provide for a civil cause of action.” Accessed Aug. 26, 2024.

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