Summary of Nebraska solar incentives 2022
If you live in the Lincoln and Omaha areas, here’s some good news. Your utility company allows net metering to give you credits for sending your solar power back into the grid and make it pretty easy to interconnect.
However, without stronger rules protecting that net billing arrangement, the current climate could shift and homeowners who want to install solar could be S.O.L.
Nebraska is a beautiful state with lots of natural bounty to protect. But when even residents of one of the state’s most forward-thinking cities have shown tepid interest in supporting solar, where is the legislature, which with a few simple laws can spark a solar revolution in Nebraska like we’ve seen in other states?
Read on to explore the entire savings, policy, and incentive picture for home solar panel installation in Nebraska.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Nebraska homeowners
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See what Nebraska solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Nebraska solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Nebraska
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Nebraska
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume to make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Nebraska requires all electric utilities to offer something called "net metering," but it doesn't meet the full definition of the term. All monthly surplus energy production (also called "net excess generation, or NEG") is applied as a credit to your next bill at whatever the utility decides is fair. Net metering is available for all solar power systems up to 25 kW in capacity on a first-come first-serve basis until net-metered systems reach a total of 1% of a utility’s peak electricity demand during the previous year.
Unfortunately, that leaves Nebraskans without a clear picture of how much they can save with solar. NEG varies from month to month, and is usually high in the summer and non-existent in the winter. In a state with full net metering, that ebb-and-flow allows you to size your solar system to meet your full annual usage and simply save credit for the excess until you need it. In Nebraska, you've got to size your system just right to be economical.
Luckily, the experts at system sizing are the installers we know. If you're in Lincoln, Omaha, or anywhere else, connect with solar installers near you to see how much you could save with solar!
Nebraska solar rebates
While Nebraska does not have a dedicated state rebate for solar panel installation, some manufacturers like LG offer their own solar rebates. These programs are usually time sensitive. For example, LG offers a $600 solar rebate on their equipment, which your installer can help you redeem over the next year.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Nebraska after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 9.3kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
10.4-12.7 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$30,484-$37,258
Average size system installed in NE in 2022
9.3kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Nebraska
9 solar companies in Nebraska provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.62 50 Reviews
Latest review
Jay Worden, 4 days ago
We have always been very concerned about the environment and have done all we could to make our home energy efficient including installing a Geo-Thermal system in our home several years ago. Salesman Mark Nelson arrived at our door late last summer and thoroughly explained Everlight Solar and how it would help reduce our electric bill and help with our environment. Every aspect of the whole process from beginning to end went very smoothly. Matt and his crew for installing the panels were terrific and it only took a few hours. Our system will be turned on later this month and we are looking forward to being more green and even more conscious of our environment. At this point, we would recommend Everlight Solar to others that might be interested.
Read more
Latest review
Jay Worden, 4 days ago
We have always been very concerned about the environment and have done all we could to make our home energy efficient including installing a Geo-Thermal system in our home several years ago. Salesman Mark Nelson arrived at our door late last summer and thoroughly explained Everlight Solar and how it would help reduce our electric bill and help with our environment. Every aspect of the whole process from beginning to end went very smoothly. Matt and his crew for installing the panels were terrific and it only took a few hours. Our system will be turned on later this month and we are looking forward to being more green and even more conscious of our environment. At this point, we would recommend Everlight Solar to others that might be interested.
4.06 5 Reviews
Latest review
Sunshine, over 1 month
We've only just begun! Since speaking with a previous customer, we've gone from bid to fully functional in about a month. These folks even have an energy efficiency team to help us go the next step.
Read more
Latest review
Sunshine, over 1 month
We've only just begun! Since speaking with a previous customer, we've gone from bid to fully functional in about a month. These folks even have an energy efficiency team to help us go the next step.
3.93 5 Reviews
Latest review
Prairie Hill-Jeanne Hevener, over 1 month
Dixon Power is great to work with! I would recommend them to anyone.<br />Renewable energy and it`s impact on the environment has always been important to Prairie Hill Learning Center since its inception. This has just been one step further toward our goal of providing a demonstration model to both the students and the community at large.
Read more
Latest review
Prairie Hill-Jeanne Hevener, over 1 month
Dixon Power is great to work with! I would recommend them to anyone.<br />Renewable energy and it`s impact on the environment has always been important to Prairie Hill Learning Center since its inception. This has just been one step further toward our goal of providing a demonstration model to both the students and the community at large.
3.93 4 Reviews
Latest review
C Gotschall, over 1 month
I went with GRNE for our solar install last fall based on vetting done by Solarize Chicagoland. So glad I did! I couldn't recommend them more highly. Every person I've had contact with has been professional and extremely helpful every step of the way, very conscientious and patient with all my questions. The install went great and the panels have been up and running for months now, working like a dream. Thanks GRNE!
Read more
Latest review
C Gotschall, over 1 month
I went with GRNE for our solar install last fall based on vetting done by Solarize Chicagoland. So glad I did! I couldn't recommend them more highly. Every person I've had contact with has been professional and extremely helpful every step of the way, very conscientious and patient with all my questions. The install went great and the panels have been up and running for months now, working like a dream. Thanks GRNE!
3.91 263 Reviews
Latest review
New customer T, 2 days ago
Hello, Several times with your salesmen I had asked for a breakdown of the costs of my payments and even provided a sample spreadsheet. But, no one responded and keep saying that the request will go to management. So, as most Americans we get a receipt of itemized items we purchase anywhere. When your salesman comes and magically comes up with a cost of solar power installation for my house within in minutes, there is a software on the laptop that spits out the number which relates to some sort of itemized listing of costs. Why is it so difficult to provide me with that software listing of costs each time I pay. I thought the installation of the solar power was efficient and crew very nice. What was the cost of the 5 installers of the solar panels, 2 electricians, 2 energy evaluators and the 2 sales reps who came to my house?
Read more
Latest review
New customer T, 2 days ago
Hello, Several times with your salesmen I had asked for a breakdown of the costs of my payments and even provided a sample spreadsheet. But, no one responded and keep saying that the request will go to management. So, as most Americans we get a receipt of itemized items we purchase anywhere. When your salesman comes and magically comes up with a cost of solar power installation for my house within in minutes, there is a software on the laptop that spits out the number which relates to some sort of itemized listing of costs. Why is it so difficult to provide me with that software listing of costs each time I pay. I thought the installation of the solar power was efficient and crew very nice. What was the cost of the 5 installers of the solar panels, 2 electricians, 2 energy evaluators and the 2 sales reps who came to my house?
3.85 62 Reviews
Latest review
Bruce, 1 week ago
This is going to be lengthy --- we went through quite a deep investigation before we committed. We reached out to 16 different solar companies initially, vetted that down to a final six for actual proposals and designs. From there we selected two to negotiate with. Zenernet's sale representative was responsive, kept us informed, and answered all our questions. We wanted to offset our electrical cost fully and we have a 5K sq ft home, with a monthly electrical cost of around $200 ($32 of that is tax and service fees from the utility that will never go away). In the state of Colorado they limit us to a 10 KwH solar array so we went with a 9 KwH system. We determined to purchase our system, not to lease. We had a couple of exceptions that we needed to have in place as to the pay structure and Zenernet was able to work that out to our satisfaction. Our system cost $28K with around a $7500 tax credit we get back this year, so our actual net cost will be around $21K. Warranty was very important to us as to the panels, installation, and roof penetration. Zenernet either met the competion or exceeded the competition. We did run into a couple of issues - one (not unusual right now) the supply chain was disrupted and it took a month or so longer to get the panels, we also needed to have "snow guards" installed so that snow would not sleet off enmasse as the install is above our back patio and deck. The snow guards also caused a delay in the installation. Another issue was - again not unusual during the pandemic- Zenernet had some personnel turnover as we moved into an active phase of design and interaction with the installing company (GOGreen). They lost the project manager assigned to our account, he left with very little notice and the individual who took his place was overwhelmed for a bit. For a while I felt that I had become the project manager assigned to our project as I was doing a lot of follow up with the city and utility company as we went through the process of approvals. The supply chain issues and the personnel issues can be laid at the feet of the pandemic and I don't blame Zenernet - they actually were a very good company to work and recovered extremely well from the supply chain disruption and the loss of the PM. Zenernet subcontracted the installation out to GoGreen Solar who did a fantastic job as the installer. We also had some issues with the utility approving the plans, but again, the pandemic had impacts with their personnel as well. While we have a short history of a fully up and running system, we are fully offsetting the cost of our electric use now, in the middle of the winter with the shortest days of the year and with the sun at the lowest in the sky. As the days get longer and the sun rises higher in the sky we fully expect to generate a good amount of credits by the end of the year. In conclusion, I am very satisfied with where we are at and with Zenernet - the were not the cheapest, we did have a few issues (that were resolved) and the system is meeting our expectations.
Read more
Latest review
Bruce, 1 week ago
This is going to be lengthy --- we went through quite a deep investigation before we committed. We reached out to 16 different solar companies initially, vetted that down to a final six for actual proposals and designs. From there we selected two to negotiate with. Zenernet's sale representative was responsive, kept us informed, and answered all our questions. We wanted to offset our electrical cost fully and we have a 5K sq ft home, with a monthly electrical cost of around $200 ($32 of that is tax and service fees from the utility that will never go away). In the state of Colorado they limit us to a 10 KwH solar array so we went with a 9 KwH system. We determined to purchase our system, not to lease. We had a couple of exceptions that we needed to have in place as to the pay structure and Zenernet was able to work that out to our satisfaction. Our system cost $28K with around a $7500 tax credit we get back this year, so our actual net cost will be around $21K. Warranty was very important to us as to the panels, installation, and roof penetration. Zenernet either met the competion or exceeded the competition. We did run into a couple of issues - one (not unusual right now) the supply chain was disrupted and it took a month or so longer to get the panels, we also needed to have "snow guards" installed so that snow would not sleet off enmasse as the install is above our back patio and deck. The snow guards also caused a delay in the installation. Another issue was - again not unusual during the pandemic- Zenernet had some personnel turnover as we moved into an active phase of design and interaction with the installing company (GOGreen). They lost the project manager assigned to our account, he left with very little notice and the individual who took his place was overwhelmed for a bit. For a while I felt that I had become the project manager assigned to our project as I was doing a lot of follow up with the city and utility company as we went through the process of approvals. The supply chain issues and the personnel issues can be laid at the feet of the pandemic and I don't blame Zenernet - they actually were a very good company to work and recovered extremely well from the supply chain disruption and the loss of the PM. Zenernet subcontracted the installation out to GoGreen Solar who did a fantastic job as the installer. We also had some issues with the utility approving the plans, but again, the pandemic had impacts with their personnel as well. While we have a short history of a fully up and running system, we are fully offsetting the cost of our electric use now, in the middle of the winter with the shortest days of the year and with the sun at the lowest in the sky. As the days get longer and the sun rises higher in the sky we fully expect to generate a good amount of credits by the end of the year. In conclusion, I am very satisfied with where we are at and with Zenernet - the were not the cheapest, we did have a few issues (that were resolved) and the system is meeting our expectations.
3.82 72 Reviews
Latest review
The Canters, 2 weeks ago
We were very please with the process of Moxie Solar. The installers were very kind and professional thorughout the process. We even had an issue where the installers had to stay longer than expected and they did not complain. We only had one issue with the system in which Moxie sent a service provider out within a week to address and fix the problem.
Read more
Latest review
The Canters, 2 weeks ago
We were very please with the process of Moxie Solar. The installers were very kind and professional thorughout the process. We even had an issue where the installers had to stay longer than expected and they did not complain. We only had one issue with the system in which Moxie sent a service provider out within a week to address and fix the problem.
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
So far...it's good
3.36 2 Reviews
Latest review
Heidi, 2 days ago
I was referred to SWT Energy by a friend who got solar panels from them a few years ago and knows Randy. He answered all my questions and was super helpful. They handled everything from start to finish and even helped me get a rebate from the utility! It was an outstanding experience, they were professional and very polite. I couldn't be happier with the solar and the Tesla Powerwalls they installed. Everything works as it should.
Read more
Latest review
Heidi, 2 days ago
I was referred to SWT Energy by a friend who got solar panels from them a few years ago and knows Randy. He answered all my questions and was super helpful. They handled everything from start to finish and even helped me get a rebate from the utility! It was an outstanding experience, they were professional and very polite. I couldn't be happier with the solar and the Tesla Powerwalls they installed. Everything works as it should.
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