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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lancaster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lancaster it’s 3 per watt.The average Lancaster homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Lancaster homeowner can save about $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Lancaster for a customized quote.
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 possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lancaster, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Lancaster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancaster
For many Lancaster homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lancaster, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Lancaster, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lancaster to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lancaster is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.61 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Lancaster, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lancaster?
The average cost of solar panels in Lancaster is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lancaster?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 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 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.