Nebraska is located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is blessed with an abundance of natural treasures which include plains, prairies, dunes, and naturally-occurring rock formations. In terms of area, Nebraska is the 16th largest state in the USA.
Nebraska also receives an abundance of sunlight that lies in the range of five to six peak sun hours per day. The western area of the state receives slightly greater sunlight than the eastern side. However, despite being one of the sunniest states, Nebraska has lagged considerably in tapping its true potential for power generation through the use of photovoltaic technology.
In terms of national ranking for solar generation, it occupies 44th position among the 50 US states. A few reasons for this slow progress can be attributed to the fact that the cost of electricity is quite low in Nebraska. It is priced at $0.11/kWh which is two cents lower than the national average cost of electricity. Hence businesses and homeowners don’t view solar systems as being too profitable.
Unlike most states, Nebraska does not have a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which dictates the utilities to source some percentage of electricity from renewable sources of energy. Nebraska also lacks any considerable solar tax exemptions such as sales tax and property tax. Both these tax exemptions incentivize businesses to adopt solar power energy. Their absence also contributes to the low drive for solar energy in Nebraska.
However, Nebraska does have a Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit and customer-friendly Net Metering policy, the details of which are given below:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
Businesses and homeowners can be reimbursed up to 26% of the total cost of their solar system as a part of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit scheme. This significantly reduces the capital cost of the solar system.
Net Metering Policy
Under the Net Metering policy, utilities are required to credit all surplus energy produced each month to the next bill. Net metering is applicable for solar power systems that have a capacity of 25kW or less.
Solar Rebates
Lincoln Electric System, which is an electric utility company in Nebraska, offers rebates of up to $475 per installed kilowatt. Likewise, some solar manufacturing companies such as LG offer solar rebates up to $600 on their equipment.
However, Nebraska does not have an official and state-sanctioned policy for solar rebates.
The following statistics reveal the state of solar energy in Nebraska:
- Solar Installed (MW): 73.6
- National Ranking: 46th (44th in 2021)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.21%
- Solar Jobs: 1,246
- Solar Companies in State: 26 (3 Manufacturers, 14 Installers/Developers, 9 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 108 million
- Prices have fallen 4% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 776 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 37th)
- Number Of Installations: 1,667
Need for Solar Panel Recycling Solutions in Nebraska
Despite the slow proliferation of solar energy in Nebraska initially, the capacity of installed solar power is increasing gradually. Soon Nebraska will catch up with other states in terms of power generation through photovoltaic systems.
As more solar equipment is installed, it raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning of solar systems or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Nebraska, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Nebraska solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight
