Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lancaster, TX (2024 Update)
- Lancaster Solar Installation Cost: $17,930
- 25-Year Savings: $22,704
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster
We go over average solar pricing in Lancaster.
The average cost of a solar system in Lancaster is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lancaster is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,930 for a solar installation, or $25,640 before the 0 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 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.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lancaster find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lancaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,509 |
| 3 years | $-13,667 |
| 5 years | $-10,825 |
| 7 years | $-7,983 |
| 9 years | $-5,141 |
| 11 years | $-2,299 |
| 13 years | $544 |
| 15 years | $3,386 |
| 17 years | $6,228 |
| 19 years | $9,070 |
| 21 years | $11,912 |
| 23 years | $14,754 |
| 25 years | $17,597 |
Top Solar Installers in Lancaster
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Lancaster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lancaster
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Lancaster is $17,930, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar 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 mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lancaster homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Lancaster, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,461 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,655 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,035 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,601 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,354 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,294 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,419 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $54,732 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign 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 part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 deciding.
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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lancaster, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lancaster?
The average cost of solar panels in Lancaster is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lancaster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.