Nebraska solar panels: The complete guide in 2025
Data updated Jun 3, 2025
Thinking about going solar? In Nebraska, you’ll need a 13.74 kW system to match the average electric bill. It’ll cost you around $21,536 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Nebraska
| Out of pocket cost, cash | $30,766 |
| Federal tax credit (30%) | - $9,230 |
| Price post tax credit | $21,536 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $25,029 | 13 Years | 96% |
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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Going solar in Nebraska
Looking to power your home with clean, sustainable energy that’ll boost your energy independence? Going solar in Nebraska reduces your carbon footprint and your reliance on the utility electric grid.
Factor in the federal solar tax credit, and you can cut the cost of solar by thousands of dollars, speeding up your payback period and increasing the value of your investment.
Here's our guide to going solar in the Cornhusker State.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Nebraska?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Nebraska homeowner needs a 13.74 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $30,766 before incentives. Prices range from $26,151 to $35,381 before incentives. After the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
While this may sound high, it will pay off in Nebraska. That's why over 500 Nebraska homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 13.29 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
Solar panel systems are expensive upfront purchases, but there are a few different financing options to make that initial cost more manageable.
Cash purchase: You pay for your entire system upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Enables you to maintain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. When it comes to solar loans, subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs are usually your best bet. The next best options include a home equity loan or a personal loan—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). In general, these provide the lowest savings and garner the most negative press about solar. If you go this route, remember to read the fine print so you’re not trapped in a contract for longer than you intend.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Nebraska?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Nebraska. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Nebraska | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $9,230 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Dollar and Energy Saving Loans | Varies | Provides fixed, low-interest financing for loans up to $125,000 |
Is net metering available in Nebraska?
Some states grant you bill credits that you earn from your utility company whenever your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering, and it can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your electric bill.
Utility companies in Nebraska offer solid net metering programs. You’ll receive the retail rate of electricity (minus some fees) for every kWh you send to the grid up to 100% of your utility demand. In general, net excess solar generation is credited to customers at the avoided-cost rate. Overall, net metering can boost the value of your investment over the years.
Equipment
Equipment quality
The more efficient a solar panel is, the more power per square foot. As of 2025, the most popular solar panels have a rated output of 450 watts. To get the most out of your solar energy system, choose panels with at least that much power output.
Your solar inverter setup is also important consideration—make sure it suits your roof’s layout.
And if you’re interested in a solar battery, it’s best to choose one that integrates with that inverter.
The best equipment tends to be more expensive, but it will often save you more money in the end. Premium equipment often has the best warranty terms, guaranteeing 25-40 years of coverage for repairs, replacements, and the lowest degradation rates (meaning they’ll maintain more of their power output for longer).
Companies
Here's our top installer in Nebraska
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Nebraska:
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resources
Top solar resources for Nebraska
- Nebraska Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
Learn about NE solar programs from the state government.
- NE Power Review Board
Read more about how utility companies work in NE.
- Nebraska Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about NE energy production and prices.
- NE State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in NE.
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