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

  • Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,857
  • Payback Period: 12.2 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lincoln.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lincoln generally cost around 4.The average Lincoln homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,674 with the federal tax credit, or $18,124 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Lincoln depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Lincoln homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lincoln

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,072
3 years $-7,870
5 years $-4,667
7 years $-1,465
9 years $1,738
11 years $4,941
13 years $8,143
15 years $11,346
17 years $14,549
19 years $17,751
21 years $20,954
23 years $24,156
25 years $27,359

Top Solar Installers in Lincoln

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

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

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lincoln average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lincoln, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Lincoln’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.22 $17,734 $17,294 12.7 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $23,513 12.4 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $29,960 12.2 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $36,634 11.9 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $43,536 11.7 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $50,665 11.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $58,021 11.2 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $65,604 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lincoln, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lincoln?

The average cost of solar panels in Lincoln is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Lincoln?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Lincoln. However, you may still be able to get 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lincoln is currently $1,386,075, so you can expect a value of about $56,829 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lincoln is a fruitful investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.

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