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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lancaster it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lancaster, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,674, or $28,134 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lancaster find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 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 a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lancaster, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lancaster average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lancaster homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lancaster is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 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, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Lancaster?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.