Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, NY (2024 Update)

  • Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,699
  • Payback Period: 19.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster

Let’s take 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 4 per watt.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lancaster, the average price of going solar will be about $11,696 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Lancaster homeowner can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Lancaster

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,870
3 years $-9,218
5 years $-7,566
7 years $-5,914
9 years $-4,263
11 years $-2,611
13 years $-959
15 years $693
17 years $2,345
19 years $3,997
21 years $5,648
23 years $7,300
25 years $8,952

Top Solar Installers in Lancaster

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar company in Lancaster, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Lancaster

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancaster

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lancaster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lancaster, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Lancaster homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Lancaster, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 down 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 $3.80 $15,943 $3,916 20.1 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $5,630 19.7 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $7,549 19.3 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $9,672 18.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $12,000 18.5 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $14,531 18.1 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $17,268 17.8 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $20,208 17.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lancaster, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lancaster?

The average cost of solar panels in Lancaster is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 switching to solar power worth it?

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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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