The federal energy tax credits have expired

Costs and payback figures on this page may still assume a federal credit that no longer exists. The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) both ended for property placed in service after 31 December 2025, and the home EV charger credit (30C) ended after 30 June 2026. Assume no federal credit on work done today.

What expired, and what still exists →

Is Electrification Worth It in Nebraska?

Omaha: 6,400 heating degree days, -10°F winter lows, and OPPD.

You need real heating. Natural gas costs $1.05/therm. Electricity runs $0.11/kWh from Omaha Public Power District. This is cold enough that you need a legitimate cold-climate heat pump, not a builder-grade unit. OPPD offers rebates up to $900 for qualifying heat pumps.

If you have natural gas, the economics are marginal—payback around 10-13 years. If you're heating with propane (common in rural Nebraska), switch immediately and save $1,200+ per year. The key is getting a cold-climate model (Mitsubishi, Bosch, Fujitsu) that works efficiently at -10°F. Don't cheap out.

Updated 31 July 2026Data from EIA, DSIRE, NREL
Heat Pump Payback
Not Recommended
With incentives
Annual Savings
$2,269
Full electrification
Available Incentives
$1,050
State + utility (federal credits expired)
CO₂ Reduction
14.3 tons
Per year

What Do Energy Costs Look Like in Nebraska?

Here's the real data from EIA (Energy Information Administration). These are the rates that determine whether electrification makes financial sense.

Electricity Rate
$0.115/kWh
Natural Gas Rate
$1.25/therm
Average Electric Bill
$122/month
Average Gas Bill
$68/month
Climate Zone
cold
Heating Degree Days
6,400
Cooling Degree Days
1,100

Visual ROI Analysis

Payback Period Comparison

Lower is better • Shortest payback = fastest return on investment

Annual Savings Comparison

Higher is better • More annual savings = greater long-term benefit

Cumulative Net Savings Over Time

Point where line crosses $0 = payback achieved • Steeper line = faster savings growth

Which Upgrades Pay Off the Fastest?

The economics are broken down for each major upgrade. Pay attention to the payback period—that's how long until savings equal your net cost.

🌡️

Heat Pump HVAC

Upfront Cost$12,000 - $22,000
Total Incentives-$500
Net Cost$11,500 - $21,500
Annual Savings$101/yr
Payback PeriodNot Recommended
Lifetime ROI15%
CO₂ Reduction4.7 tons/yr
☀️

Solar Panels

Upfront Cost$15,000 - $30,000
Total Incentives-$0
Net Cost$15,000 - $30,000
Annual Savings$745/yr
Payback Period31.7 years
Lifetime ROI97%
CO₂ Reduction3.1 tons/yr
💧

Heat Pump Water Heater

Upfront Cost$2,500 - $4,500
Total Incentives-$350
Net Cost$2,150 - $4,150
Annual Savings$203/yr
Payback Period17.9 years
Lifetime ROI67%
CO₂ Reduction1.8 tons/yr

EV Charger + Electric Vehicle

Upfront Cost$800 - $2,500
Total Incentives-$200
Net Cost$600 - $2,300
Annual Savings$1,220/yr
Payback Period1.3 years
Lifetime ROI1574%
CO₂ Reduction4.8 tons/yr

Should You Go All-In?

Here's what it costs to electrify everything at once—heat pump HVAC, solar panels, heat pump water heater, and EV charger. The upfront cost is high, but so are the savings.

Total Upfront Cost
$30,300 - $59,000
Total Incentives
-$1,050
Net Cost After Incentives
$29,250 - $57,950
Annual Energy Savings
$2,269/year
Lifetime Savings (18 years)
$40,845
Simple Payback
21.2 years
💡

Best ROI for Nebraska

Based on your state's energy costs and climate, EV Charger offers the best return on investment with an average payback of 1.3 years and an ROI of 1574%.

0.0 years slower than average compared to the national average.

Ready to electrify your Nebraska home?

Get free quotes from local contractors who specialize in heat pumps, solar, and electrification.

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