Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincoln, CA (2024 Update)
- Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $7,514
- 25-Year Savings: $20,419
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lincoln
We break down average solar pricing in Lincoln.
In Lincoln, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lincoln, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,514, or $10,745 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lincoln homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Lincoln homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Lincoln that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lincoln
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,976 |
| 3 years | $-2,900 |
| 5 years | $175 |
| 7 years | $3,251 |
| 9 years | $6,327 |
| 11 years | $9,403 |
| 13 years | $12,479 |
| 15 years | $15,554 |
| 17 years | $18,630 |
| 19 years | $21,706 |
| 21 years | $24,782 |
| 23 years | $27,858 |
| 25 years | $30,933 |
Top Solar Installers in Lincoln
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Lincoln
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincoln
Although the average cost of a solar system in Lincoln is $7,514, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lincoln offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Lincoln’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,913 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,273 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,827 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,575 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,518 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $99,655 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $112,987 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $126,512 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Lincoln, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lincoln?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lincoln?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lincoln?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Lincoln?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.