Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincoln, MI (2025 Update)

  • Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $16,836
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,529
  • Payback Period: 16.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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

We break down average solar pricing in Lincoln.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lincoln, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.9-kW system would cost about $16,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Lincoln homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Lincoln, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lincoln

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,611
3 years$-13,163
5 years$-10,714
7 years$-8,265
9 years$-5,816
11 years$-3,367
13 years$-918
15 years$1,531
17 years$3,979
19 years$6,428
21 years$8,877
23 years$11,326
25 years$13,775

Top Solar Installers in Lincoln

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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See all of the solar companies in Lincoln

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincoln

For many Lincoln homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lincoln, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain 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 choose 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 energy 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 prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$7,77017.4 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$10,81517.0 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$14,08716.7 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$17,58716.4 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$21,31416.0 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$25,26815.7 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$29,44915.4 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$33,85815.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • 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.
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EcoWatch's Lincoln, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

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 $282,219, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,571 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lincoln is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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.