Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, SC (2024 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $19,418
- 25-Year Savings: $29,205
- Payback Period: 10.9 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
We break down average solar pricing in Lancaster.
The average cost of a solar system in Lancaster is 3 per watt.Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lancaster, the average price of going solar will be about $19,418 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Lancaster homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Lancaster for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,933 |
| 3 years | $-14,962 |
| 5 years | $-11,992 |
| 7 years | $-9,021 |
| 9 years | $-6,050 |
| 11 years | $-3,080 |
| 13 years | $-109 |
| 15 years | $2,861 |
| 17 years | $5,832 |
| 19 years | $8,802 |
| 21 years | $11,773 |
| 23 years | $14,743 |
| 25 years | $17,714 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 rests 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 few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $3,450. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lancaster, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lancaster have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Lancaster’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lancaster have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.59 | $15,070 | $18,148 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $24,583 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $31,212 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $38,034 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $45,050 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $52,258 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $59,660 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $67,255 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Lancaster, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lancaster?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher amount 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.
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.