Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, CA (Mar 2023)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,835
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Lancaster.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lancaster typically cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Lancaster, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lancaster depending on a variety of 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.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,635 |
| 3 years | $-3,013 |
| 5 years | $-1,390 |
| 7 years | $232 |
| 9 years | $1,855 |
| 11 years | $3,478 |
| 13 years | $5,100 |
| 15 years | $6,723 |
| 17 years | $8,345 |
| 19 years | $9,968 |
| 21 years | $11,590 |
| 23 years | $13,213 |
| 25 years | $14,835 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Lancaster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancaster
While the average cost of a solar system in Lancaster is $5,446, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lancaster to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When trying to figure out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $30,788 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,356 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,077 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $62,951 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $73,978 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $85,158 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $96,490 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $107,976 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Lancaster, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Lancaster, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lancaster?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Lancaster have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.