Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincoln, AL (2024 Update)

  • Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $22,217
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,812
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lincoln

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lincoln.

In Lincoln, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Lincoln homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,217 with the federal tax credit, or $31,770 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lincoln find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Lincoln, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lincoln

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,370
3 years $-16,675
5 years $-12,980
7 years $-9,284
9 years $-5,589
11 years $-1,894
13 years $1,801
15 years $5,496
17 years $9,191
19 years $12,886
21 years $16,582
23 years $20,277
25 years $23,972

Top Solar Installers in Lincoln

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you're looking for a solar company in Lincoln, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Lincoln

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincoln

The cost of installing a solar system in Lincoln can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lincoln average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lincoln to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Lincoln’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.63 $15,244 $18,013 11.5 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,408 11.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $30,999 11.0 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $37,785 10.8 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $44,766 10.6 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $51,943 10.4 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $59,316 10.1 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $66,884 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Lincoln, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lincoln?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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