Choosing the right solar installer in Nebraska can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Nebraska’s top-rated solar companies, combining Resident Solar Power expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Nebraska’s most trusted solar installers:
J-Tech Construction and Solar review 6200 Havelock Avenue, Lincoln NE
Weddle & Sons, Inc. review North 58th Street, Lincoln, NE 68505, USA
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Weddle & read more…
SWT Energy review 8800 S 55th Street, Lincoln NE, 68516
SWT Energy is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Everlight Solar review 10421 PORTAL ROAD Suite 105, La Vista NE, 68128
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Everlight Solar read more…
J-Tech Construction and Solar review 13714 A St, Omaha Nebraska, 68144
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, J-Tech Construction read more…
Weddle & Sons, Inc. review 5078 South 107th Street, Omaha, NE 68127, USA
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Weddle & read more…
GenPro Energy Solutions review 1415 16th Street, Central City NE, 68826
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, GenPro Energy read more…
J-Tech Construction and Solar review 3308 W Capital Avenue, Grand Island NE, 68803
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, J-Tech Construction read more…
Weddle & Sons, Inc. review 18895 W 158th St, Olathe, KS 66062, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Weddle & read more…
Weddle & Sons, Inc. review 919 South Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Weddle & read more…
Laven Electric LLC review 836 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Laven Electric read more…
Blue Horizon Energy review 208 W Railroad St, Marcus IA, 51035
Blue Horizon Energy is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Cromwell Solar review 615 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Cromwell Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a read more…
Cromwell Environmental. review 615 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Cromwell Environmental. read more…
Ra Power Solar review 1346 Pennsylvania St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Ra Power read more…
Good Energy Solutions review 641 E 22nd St, Lawrence KS, 66046
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Good Energy read more…
The Solar Guys USA review 6114 MO 9, Parkville, 64152, MO, US
The Solar Guys USA is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. read more…
EnergyONE Renewables review 1333 NW Vivion Rd STE 101, Kansas City, MO 64118
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, EnergyONE Renewables read more…
Solar Planet review 13851 W 63rd st Suite 404, Shawnee KS, 66216
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Planet read more…
Purelight Power review 4673 121st St, Urbandale IA, 50323
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Purelight Power read more…
What Solar Panels Actually Cost in Nebraska?
Most homeowners want to know the bottom line first: how much are solar panels going to cost me? Right now in Nebraska, the cost to install solar panels ranges between $2.92 and $3.55 per watt. The typical solar panel cost lands around $3.43 per watt, which puts us a bit higher than the national average of $3.03.
But that per-watt number doesn’t tell you much on its own. What matters is how much solar panels cost for your complete system, and that depends entirely on how much electricity your household uses. Here’s what solar panel prices look like for different system sizes:
| System Size | Upfront Cost | After Federal Tax Credit | Monthly Savings | Yearly Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $17,155 | $12,009 | $40–50 | 6,250 kWh |
| 8 kW | $27,440 | $19,208 | $65–80 | 10,000 kWh |
| 10.5 kW | $37,275 | $26,093 | $85–105 | 13,125 kWh |
| 14.2 kW | $48,706 | $34,094 | $115–140 | 17,750 kWh |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Since the average home here uses about 1,013 kWh monthly, most people need a system between 10.5 and 14.2 kW to cover their usage. Yes, the cost of solar panel installation is a hefty upfront investment, but the long-term savings tell a different story.
The Incentive Situation
Federal Tax Credit
The big money saver is still the 30% federal solar tax credit, one of the most valuable solar incentives available. You take 30% of your total installation cost right off your federal taxes.
Here’s the urgent part: The “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed in July 2025 ended this credit effective December 31, 2025. The deadline is approaching quickly. Your residential solar panels need to be installed and operational by year’s end to claim it. Miss that deadline, and you’re paying full price—no federal help whatsoever.
What Nebraska Offers?
1. DES Loans from the state
Nebraska’s Department of Environment and Energy runs a loan program specifically for solar:
- Residential properties can borrow up to $125,000.
- Multifamily buildings (3+ units) get up to $250,000.
- Simple interest rates that don’t compound.
- You get 10 years to repay.
- Minimum payment is just $50/month.
2. Net Metering – With a Catch
All public utilities in Nebraska have to offer net metering for systems up to 25 kW.
The catch? They credit your excess generation at their avoided-cost rate, not the retail rate you pay. That means you get less back for the power you send to the grid than what you’d pay to buy it. The credits are better in summer (June through September) than winter.
3. Sales Tax Break
You don’t pay sales tax on solar equipment in Nebraska.
4. Utility Programs
- Omaha Public Power District has rebates for commercial installations.
- Lincoln Electric System offers $375–$475 per kW DC for systems up to 100 kW AC, with some new programs added this year for multi-tenant and larger setups.
Solar for All Program Status
Nebraska was awarded $62 million through the federal Solar for All program administered by the Center for Rural Affairs. However, on August 7, 2025, the EPA terminated this program, leaving many planned projects in limbo. Approximately $20 million was ready to be distributed for various community, rooftop, and multifamily solar projects across the state before the termination.
Electricity Costs
We’ve got cheap power in Nebraska—fifth-lowest in the country, actually. As of now:
- Residential rates run 10.04¢ to 11.98¢ per kWh.
- Average monthly use is 1,013 to 1,043 kWh.
- Typical monthly bill is $100 to $117.
Compare that to the national average of 16.73¢ per kWh, and you’re paying 28–40% less.
Our electricity comes from a mixed energy portfolio: 44% coal, 32% wind, 16% nuclear, plus some natural gas and hydro.
The main utilities—Nebraska Public Power District, Omaha Public Power District, and Lincoln Electric System—all bumped rates up a little for 2025. Most residential customers saw increases around $3–4 monthly.
When You’ll Break Even
The payback period is where Nebraska’s cheap electricity becomes a double-edged sword when evaluating how much it costs to install solar panels versus long-term value:
- You’re looking at 13 to 16 years on average.
- Could be as quick as 11 years or as long as 19, depending on your situation.
- After payback, expect $18,000 to $25,000 in total savings over 25 years.
- Return on investment hovers around 60% if you get the full federal credit.
That payback period is longer than the 11-year national average, no way around it. But Nebraska gets 223 sunny days per year compared to 205 nationally, and we average 5.01 peak sun hours daily. Western Nebraska does even better.
Solar Resources and Climate
We rank 13th nationally for solar potential, which surprises people given our low adoption rates for solar panels in Nebraska. Western Nebraska especially has solar resources comparable to parts of the Southwest.
Our continental climate means hot summers and cold winters—both drive up HVAC use, which residential solar panels can offset. Winter production drops some with snow cover and shorter days, but overall the numbers work.
The Paperwork and Process
Nebraska set up statewide interconnection and net metering rules back in 2009. Any system at or below 25 kW gets automatic qualification if it uses solar, wind, biomass, hydro, geothermal, or methane.
What you need to do:
- Contact your utility first to confirm they can install a bidirectional meter.
- Submit interconnection paperwork to the utility before installation starts.
- Get local building and electrical permits.
- Schedule inspections with your local building department.
- Wait for utility permission to operate after final inspection.
Permit requirements: There’s no statewide standard, so rules vary by location. Most places require electrical permits. All electrical work needs a licensed electrician—state law. Roof-mounted systems typically need building permits, and some jurisdictions want structural engineering sign-off.
Timeline Reality
From signing the contract to flipping the switch, expect 2–4 months:
- Design and engineering: 1–2 weeks
- Permitting: 2–6 weeks (permitting offices in cities like Omaha and Lincoln usually take 3–4 weeks; rural areas are all over the map—anywhere from 2–8 weeks)
- Getting equipment: 1–3 weeks
- Actual installation: 1–3 days for a typical home system
- Inspection scheduling: 1–2 weeks
- Utility approval: 2–4 weeks after inspection
- Activation: Same day as utility gives the green light
Things that slow it down:
- Backed-up permitting offices.
- Utility interconnection queues.
- Weather (winter installations get delayed).
- Equipment shortages.
- Complicated roof situations or electrical upgrades.
Given that December 31 deadline for the tax credit, starting this process as soon as possible is critical if you want to finish in time.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Nebraska
Nebraska ranks near the bottom for solar installations, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea for everyone. When considering the cost of solar panels in Nebraska versus potential savings, here’s what matters:
Nebraska solar panels are worth the investment if:
- You consume over 1,000 kWh per month.
- Your roof is facing south, southwest, or southeast and has limited shade.
- You’re staying put for at least 13–15 years.
- You can claim that federal tax credit before it’s gone.
- Your tax liability is sufficient to take full advantage of the credit.
- You want independence from the grid and protection against future rate increases.
Things to think about:
- Those cheap electricity rates mean waiting longer to break even than most states.
- Avoided-cost net metering gives you less value for excess generation.
- Adding battery storage costs $10,000–$20,000 but provides backup power.
- Panel lifespan: 25–30 years with minimal maintenance.
- Typical warranties: 25 years on panels, 10–25 years on inverters.
Your decision really comes down to your specific situation—how much power you use, how long you’re staying, and what your financial goals look like. Understanding how much solar panels cost upfront versus long-term savings is critical. With that federal tax credit and other solar incentives disappearing at year’s end, though, anyone seriously considering solar needs to move fast. After December 31, the economics get significantly worse.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Nebraska?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Nebraska is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such cases, you don’t own solar panels, and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, and warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know better the incentives and regulations in the area, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
Find the Best Solar Installers Near You
