Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, WI (2024 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $19,674
- 25-Year Savings: $22,822
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
See how much it might cost to go solar in Lancaster.
In Lancaster, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $19,674 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 be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Lancaster for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,566 |
| 3 years | $-16,352 |
| 5 years | $-14,137 |
| 7 years | $-11,923 |
| 9 years | $-9,708 |
| 11 years | $-7,493 |
| 13 years | $-5,279 |
| 15 years | $-3,064 |
| 17 years | $-849 |
| 19 years | $1,365 |
| 21 years | $3,580 |
| 23 years | $5,795 |
| 25 years | $8,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Lancaster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancaster
For many Lancaster homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to 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 numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lancaster, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lancaster is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,876 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,602 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,546 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,707 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,085 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,680 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,493 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,523 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Lancaster, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Lancaster, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lancaster?
The average cost of solar panels in Lancaster is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.