Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincolnton, NC (2024 Update)
- Lincolnton Solar Installation Cost: $16,811
- 25-Year Savings: $19,274
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lincolnton
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Lincolnton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lincolnton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $16,811 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Lincolnton depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lincolnton can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lincolnton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,489 |
| 3 years | $-12,844 |
| 5 years | $-10,200 |
| 7 years | $-7,556 |
| 9 years | $-4,912 |
| 11 years | $-2,267 |
| 13 years | $377 |
| 15 years | $3,021 |
| 17 years | $5,665 |
| 19 years | $8,310 |
| 21 years | $10,954 |
| 23 years | $13,598 |
| 25 years | $16,242 |
Top Solar Installers in Lincolnton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lincolnton, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Lincolnton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincolnton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Lincolnton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lincolnton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much it costs. Lincolnton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,238 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,711 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $21,380 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $26,245 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $31,308 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $36,566 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $42,022 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $47,673 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Lincolnton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Lincolnton, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lincolnton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lincolnton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lincolnton. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.