Best Solar Companies 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.

» MORE: Best solar companies in Omaha

Average solar panel costs in Nebraska typically range between $13,449 and $42,414. 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 $2.92.

Average solar panel costs 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

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 expired at the end of 2025.

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.

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 11.6 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Nebraskans with solar panels can avoid $52,449 in total utility costs over 25 years.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons