Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, NY (2024 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $5,699
- Payback Period: 19.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Lancaster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lancaster it’s 4 per watt.The average Lancaster homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,696 with the federal tax credit, or $16,725 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Lancaster, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,870 |
| 3 years | $-9,218 |
| 5 years | $-7,566 |
| 7 years | $-5,914 |
| 9 years | $-4,263 |
| 11 years | $-2,611 |
| 13 years | $-959 |
| 15 years | $693 |
| 17 years | $2,345 |
| 19 years | $3,997 |
| 21 years | $5,648 |
| 23 years | $7,300 |
| 25 years | $8,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Lancaster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancaster
The cost of installing a solar system in Lancaster 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 home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,650. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lancaster average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lancaster homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lancaster, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,916 | 20.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,630 | 19.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,549 | 19.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,672 | 18.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,000 | 18.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,531 | 18.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,268 | 17.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $20,208 | 17.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Lancaster, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lancaster?
The average cost of solar panels in Lancaster is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 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.
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.