Best 5 Solar Companies in Lancaster, TX

Lancaster homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $970 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll highlight Lancaster's leading solar providers and provide expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Lancaster solar companies.

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Lancaster community for over 15 years.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Lancaster solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lancaster Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lancaster

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

All solar energy companies in Texas must have a state electrical contractors' license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbing regulations and licensing standards for solar thermal installers. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lancaster

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $16,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Lancaster. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Lancaster solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Lancaster

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lancaster.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy