Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincoln City, OR (2024 Update)
- Lincoln City Solar Installation Cost: $10,123
- 25-Year Savings: $14,768
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lincoln City
We break down average solar pricing in Lincoln City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lincoln City it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $10,123 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Lincoln City depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Lincoln City homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lincoln City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,914 |
| 3 years | $-6,495 |
| 5 years | $-4,077 |
| 7 years | $-1,658 |
| 9 years | $760 |
| 11 years | $3,179 |
| 13 years | $5,598 |
| 15 years | $8,016 |
| 17 years | $10,435 |
| 19 years | $12,854 |
| 21 years | $15,272 |
| 23 years | $17,691 |
| 25 years | $20,109 |
Top Solar Installers in Lincoln City
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lincoln City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincoln City
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Lincoln City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lincoln City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lincoln City, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Lincoln City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lincoln City know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 help you save 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 | $3.64 | $15,288 | $17,336 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $23,507 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $29,873 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $36,436 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $43,194 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $50,149 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $57,300 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $64,646 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Lincoln City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Lincoln City, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lincoln City?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lincoln City?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lincoln City, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lincoln City?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Lincoln City?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.