Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, KY (2025 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $24,608
- 25-Year Savings: $23,887
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Lancaster.
In Lancaster, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $24,608 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lancaster homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Lancaster for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,229 |
| 3 years | $-20,471 |
| 5 years | $-17,713 |
| 7 years | $-14,955 |
| 9 years | $-12,198 |
| 11 years | $-9,440 |
| 13 years | $-6,682 |
| 15 years | $-3,924 |
| 17 years | $-1,167 |
| 19 years | $1,591 |
| 21 years | $4,349 |
| 23 years | $7,107 |
| 25 years | $9,864 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,650. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lancaster, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lancaster homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Lancaster, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,766 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,097 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $15,632 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $19,371 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $23,315 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $27,464 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $31,817 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $36,374 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Lancaster, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Lancaster?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.