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 average cost of solar panels 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Lincolnton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Lincolnton for a quote for your home.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Lincolnton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincolnton
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lincolnton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Lincolnton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across 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 larger companies.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality 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 expensive 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 afford 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 installing solar panels impact my 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 Lincolnton is currently $276,039, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,318 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lincolnton is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy 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.