Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincoln, ID (2025 Update)
- Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $17,946
- 25-Year Savings: $14,324
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lincoln
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lincoln.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lincoln, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lincoln, the average price of going solar will be about $17,946 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lincoln homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lincoln
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,747 |
| 3 years | $-14,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,952 |
| 7 years | $-9,554 |
| 9 years | $-7,157 |
| 11 years | $-4,759 |
| 13 years | $-2,361 |
| 15 years | $36 |
| 17 years | $2,434 |
| 19 years | $4,832 |
| 21 years | $7,229 |
| 23 years | $9,627 |
| 25 years | $12,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Lincoln
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Lincoln
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincoln
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Lincoln: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Lincoln, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lincoln have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Lincoln, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Lincoln know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.60 | $15,113 | $7,406 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $10,262 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $13,311 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $16,555 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $19,992 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $23,623 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $27,448 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $31,467 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Lincoln, ID 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 a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lincoln?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lincoln, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lincoln, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.