Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, MA (2023 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $17,148
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
Let's have 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 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,220 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lancaster homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lancaster find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Lancaster, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,165 |
| 3 years | $-6,056 |
| 5 years | $-3,946 |
| 7 years | $-1,837 |
| 9 years | $273 |
| 11 years | $2,382 |
| 13 years | $4,491 |
| 15 years | $6,601 |
| 17 years | $8,710 |
| 19 years | $10,820 |
| 21 years | $12,929 |
| 23 years | $15,038 |
| 25 years | $17,148 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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 various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 $2,940. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lancaster average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lancaster offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Lancaster's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $22,489 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,315 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $38,305 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $46,460 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,779 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $63,263 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $71,912 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $80,726 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts 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:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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, MA 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 a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lancaster?
You can't get solar panels for free in Lancaster. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Lancaster, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.