Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, CA (2024 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,837
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lancaster.
In Lancaster, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lancaster, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Lancaster depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lancaster can save about $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,685 |
| 3 years | $-3,215 |
| 5 years | $-744 |
| 7 years | $1,726 |
| 9 years | $4,197 |
| 11 years | $6,667 |
| 13 years | $9,137 |
| 15 years | $11,608 |
| 17 years | $14,078 |
| 19 years | $16,549 |
| 21 years | $19,019 |
| 23 years | $21,489 |
| 25 years | $23,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lancaster, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Lancaster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Lancaster.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lancaster homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lancaster homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Lancaster’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $27,555 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,129 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $46,897 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $56,859 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,016 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $77,367 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $87,912 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $98,652 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lancaster?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Lancaster have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.