To pick the best solar companies in Lancaster, we compared popular California solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.
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How we chose the best solar companies in Lancaster
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the high desert climate, to choose the best solar companies in Lancaster, California, based on the following key features and respective weightings:
A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Lancaster are comparable, ranging from $8,295 to $23,700.
This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing. It’s worth considering if California’s net metering rates continue to decline or if your area gets frequent blackouts.
System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Lancaster household needs a system with a capacity of 7.27 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.
Average total solar installation costs by system size in Lancaster
5 kW
6 kW
7 kW
8 kW
9 kW
10 kW
Before federal tax credit
$11,850
$14,220
$16,590
$18,960
$21,330
$23,700
After federal tax credit
$8,295
$9,954
$11,613
$13,272
$14,931
$16,590
How can I pay for solar panels?
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.
Solar loans: These work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
Solar leases: These are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
Free solar panels: The Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, run by GRID Alternatives, offers no-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities. Find out if you live in an eligible community using this map from the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Lancaster homeowners with solar panels can avoid $66,910 in total utility costs over 25 years.
For a lot of homeowners, the main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
Another thing to keep in mind: The area can experience extreme heat, leading to increased electricity demand and the potential for grid strain. Adding a solar battery for energy storage can keep your lights on during blackouts.
Potential roof problems
As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.
How to find a reputable solar company in Lancaster
In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.
Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a significant incentive for most homeowners going solar. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.
For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.
Are there any other solar incentives in Lancaster?
Additionally, the California Energy Commission (CEC) offers various incentives and rebates, including incentives for solar water heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades, which can be combined with solar installations to maximize overall savings.
In California, net metering lets homeowners with solar panels send excess energy into the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bills. If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, the extra is sent back to the Southern California Edison (SCE) grid.
NEM 3.0 reduced the value of excess generation credits in 2023. Currently, SCE credits you based on the "avoided cost" of energy, which is typically lower than the retail rate. This value changes with the time of day and year.
A relatively slanted roof with plenty of unshaded space is best. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch (very steep). Here are a couple of other questions to ask yourself:
How much sunlight do I get? Lancaster gets a good amount of sunlight. The state averages 5 to 7.5 peak sun hours every day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, whether from trees or tall buildings, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home.
How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.
Will solar panels increase my property taxes?
No. Under California law, solar installations are exempt from property tax reassessments, meaning the value added to your home by solar panels won’t increase your property taxes.
What are the different types of solar panels?
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.
Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Lancaster
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Lancaster, California. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:
Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Lancaster customers were given preference.
Warranties: 20%
A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.
Equipment selection: 20%
We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.
Financing and payment options: 20%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:
Sunlux
First American Solar
Ameco Solar
Sunrun
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Guide sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
Specializes in solar panels and roofing solutions. Online estimate. Installs solar panels, batteries and EV charging stations. Shingle, flat and tile roofing services. 3D home visualizer. 40-year workmanship warranty.
Designs custom solar systems. Explains tax incentives. Offers education on solar energy. Has in-house installation teams. Provides a 25-year warranty. Tries to make solar affordable with $0 down, $0 for 12-month options.
Sells panels, inverters and batteries. Includes monitoring, full-service installation and 25-year warranty on parts, labor and repairs. Offers purchase, finance, lease and energy prepay options. Available in California and Texas.
Sunrun offers free energy consultations in 20 states. 15 years of experience. Sells and leases customized residential solar energy systems. Solar advisors offer one-on-one consultants to guide you through the details.
Installs residential solar energy systems in San Juan, Puerto Rico and parts of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Financing options include loans, leases and PPAs.
Southern California solar installations for homes and businesses. HVAC, roofing, insulation, window and ground-mounted installations also available. Pay upfront or financing through a loan or PACE funding.
Residential and commercial solar installations in southern California. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee on brands like Canadian Solar, Qcells, REC Group, Solaria and Unirac. Pay upfront or finance with a loan.
Solar installation, battery storage and energy monitoring for residential and commercial properties for 5 areas in Southern California. Offers 25-year service and installation warranty with zero down financing available.
California-based residential and commercial solar installers. Service areas include Antelope Valley, Bakersfield, Central Coast and Fresno. 25-year warranty on solar energy systems. Pay with cash or finance with a loan or lease.
Solar installations for homes and businesses in parts of California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Financing available. Ten-year workmanship warranty and five years of roof penetration protection.
Specializes in solar installations plus roofing services in the Greater Los Angeles area. Offers high-efficiency panels, energy backup solutions and solar tile installations for residential and commercial clients.
Solar installer serving southern California with systems for home, business and industrial use. Also installs EV chargers. Offers products from a variety of manufacturers including Canadian Solar and Enphase Energy.
Comprehensive residential solar panel design, installation, removal and maintenance plus solar pool and water heating. Serves the Greater Los Angeles area. Free estimates available.
Residential and commercial solar energy system installations as well as solar pool heating, solar water heating and plumbing in parts of Southern California. Offers products from brands like Smartflower and sonnen.
Residential and commercial solar panel design, installation and maintenance plus solar water heating, solar pool heating and solar floor heating. Serves the Greater Los Angeles area. Offers multiple warranties.
Residential, commercial and nonprofit solar energy system installation, water heating, energy storage and EV charging in the Greater Los Angeles area in California. Offers 10-year workmanship warranties. Free estimates available.
In business since 2009. Specializes in residential and commercial solar installations including rooftop, ground-mounted solar plus and carports. Serves both the city of Los Angeles and Commerce, California.
Offers residential and commercial solar installation services in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Installations carry a 25-year solar panel warranty. Products from brands like Enphase, LG, Qcells, REC, SolarEdge and Solaria.
San Diego-based solar installer servicing homes and businesses in the Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and Temecula areas in California. Products from ChargePoint, Enphase Energy, FranklinWH and Tesla.
Specializes in residential solar installations. Offers services in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura, California. Installations guaranteed by a 25-year labor and 25-year product warranty from the manufacturer.
Residential and commercial solar energy systems throughout much of Southern California. Buy systems outright or finance through loans, leases or PPAs. Offers 25-year labor and workmanship warranties on all installations.
Residential and commercial solar energy system installation and batteries for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties in Southern California. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. Free quotes available.
Residential and small commercial solar installer offering roofing and electrical services in parts of California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County.
Residential and commercial solar installation in Greater Los Angeles. Zero-down financing available or pay upfront. 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on solar panels and a 10-year labor warranty.
Solar installation, energy efficient remodeling, HVAC and EV charging for homes in southern California. Brands like Canadian Solar and Enphase. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Loans and leases available or pay upfront.
Southern California-based company handling residential and commercial solar projects. Offers products from Aptos Solar Technology, Enphase Energy, GAF Energy, Qcells, REC Group, Silfab, Tesla and Unirac. Founded in 2012.
Residential solar installer with services across parts of southern California. Offers grid-tied solar systems for the home. System components from Enphase Energy, LG, Panasonic and Qcells.
Commercial and large-scale solar design, installation and maintenance plus battery storage systems. Covers several counties in California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco, San Diego and Ventura.
Provides solar services, battery backup and roofing. Offers home improvement services. Reports to have a streamlined installation process with experts who take care of permits and setup. Only available in Florida and California.
Residential solar panel design, installation, maintenance plus energy audits and solar pool heating. Serves the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas. 25-year product and 10-year labor warranties. Financing available.
Residential and commercial solar installer throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. Also provides HVAC, lighting and automation services. Financing options available through loans, leases and power purchase agreements.
Residential and commercial solar energy system installations and monitoring in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Offers 25-year complete system and 10-year workmanship warranties on products from SunPower.
Solar energy system installer serving homes across Southern California. Solar maintenance services also available. 25-year system warranty. Financing available in the form of loans.
Residential solar installations, electrical work and roofing in 40 California cities. 25-year manufacturer’s warranties on products from brands like Enphase Energy and SolarEdge. Financing available to those who qualify.
Residential and commercial solar installation and EV charging in Antelope Valley and northern Los Angeles County, California. Offers a 25-year complete system warranty on SunPower panels. Finance with a loan, lease or PPA.
Residential solar power system installations and energy storage in parts of California. Offers a 25-year complete system warranty that includes performance, labor and parts on SunPower systems. Free consultations available.
Residential and commercial solar panel installer servicing parts of California. Flexible financing options, such as loans, leases and PACE funds. Systems include 25-year workmanship warranties.
Residential and commercial solar panel design and installation plus energy monitoring and storage services. Products from Solaria. Serves all of California. Warranties and financing available.
Residential and commercial installation of solar energy systems, solar water heating, solar pool heating, radiant heat and EV charging in parts of Southern California. Founded in 1981. Free quotes available.
Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers components from Enphase Energy, IronRidge, LG Electronics, LG Chem, Panasonic, Qcells, SolarEdge and Unirac. Product and service warranties available.
Residential and commercial heating, cooling and air quality systems for energy efficiency. Serves Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Products from Daikin and Trane. Financing plans available.
Residential and commercial solar installers offering services throughout parts of Southern California. Manufacturers’ warranties include 10 years on installation and workmanship plus five years on equipment monitoring.
Offers several home construction services across the Greater Los Angeles area, including solar installations. Also performs roofing, flooring, paving and remodeling. Provides free quotes. Financing available.
Develops solar and energy management solutions for residential, commercial and nonprofit customers. Free solar analysis and custom proposal. Specializes in grid-tied residential and small commercial systems.
Offers residential and commercial solar installations along with roofing and HVAC services across southern California, including Los Angeles. Provides free site surveys and free consultations. Financing available.
Services Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire areas with grid-tied commercial and residential solar. Offers products from a variety of manufacturers as well as solar maintenance and repair services.
Residential, commercial and governmental solar panel installation, removal and maintenance. Offers electrical and wiring services across the Greater Los Angeles area. Systems must be purchased outright; no financing available.
Residential and commercial installation and repair of solar energy systems as well as heating, air conditioning and water heaters throughout the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura in California.
Serves the state of California with solar installation and maintenance services as well as electric vehicle charging. Works with residential and commercial properties. Manufacturers include the REC Group, sonnen and Panasonic.
Residential and commercial solar panel installer covering Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties in California. All components covered by a 25-year warranty.
Residential and commercial solar energy systems as well as solar pool and water heating. Financing available, including PACE funding. Serves Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
Residential solar panel design, installation and electrical services. Serves California, including the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego. Multiple products available. Financing and warranties available.
Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers EV charging station installations. Hybrid and off-grid services available for residential installations. Financing available for qualified buyers.
Solar installer serving the Los Angeles area with solar for homes, businesses and industrial facilities. Also offers general contracting services and free estimates on service costs.
Residential and commercial solar panel design and installations plus energy storage, monitoring and roofing services. Serves parts of California and Washington. Offers a 25-year warranty. Financing available through loans.
Solar installations for home and business owners in Southern California. Products from companies like Enphase, Hyundai, SolarEdge and Tesla. Warranty covers labor, parts, roofing and performance for 25 years.
Small business that specializes in residential solar installations throughout southern California. Offers equipment from Enphase Energy, Mission Solar Energy and SolarWorld. Free consultations available.
Residential and commercial solar panel installation plus backup battery sales and energy storage. Products include Enphase Energy. Serves parts of southern California. 30-year Solar Insure warranties. Financing available.
Residential solar energy system installations and energy storage solutions in five counties in Southern California. Offers products from Enphase Energy and Qcells. Financing available through a loan or lease.
Commercial and industrial installer of solar energy and solar water heating solutions for customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Offers patented solar panel mounting systems as well as flexible photovoltaic arrays.
Covers parts of southern California, including Los Angeles. Installations use components from companies like Enphase Energy, FAFCO, LG Chem, Panasonic, Qcells, SolarEdge and Unirac.
Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers products from Panasonic, Qcells, SolarEdge, Solaria and SunPower. Financing available through loans for qualified buyers.
Residential solar installation. Founded in 1987. Covers Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. No warranty mentioned on company’s website. Can purchase products and services with cash.
Residential and commercial solar installation and battery storage for Southern California. 25-year product and workmanship warranties on systems with parts from SunPower. Free quotes available.
Grid-tied residential solar and commercial solar panel design, installation, repair and maintenance plus energy audits and monitoring. Serves the Greater Los Angeles area. Offers unspecified warranties.
Residential solar panel design, installation and maintenance plus HVAC services. Products from Enphase Energy and Qcells. Serves the Greater Los Angeles area. Financing and 25-year warranties available.
Residential and commercial solar energy systems installation and energy storage in Los Angeles. Offers products from Enphase Energy. Financing options include solar loans, PACE funds or PPAs.
Residential, commercial and nonprofit solar energy systems installations plus energy storage in parts of Southern California. Offers products from brands like Phono Solar, Enphase Energy and Tesla Powerwall.
Installs solar energy systems and pool heaters in much of southern California. Offers financing on systems with components from Enphase Energy, FAFCO, LG Electronics, Qcells, SMA and SolarEdge.
Residential and commercial solar energy system installation and roofing services in Los Angeles. Offers brands like Canadian Solar and Enphase Energy. Finance through a loan. Free estimates available.
Provides the Los Angeles area with residential, commercial and industrial solar installations. Financing available through loans. Offers products from many manufacturers, including Hyundai Energy Solutions and LG Electronics.
Performs solar installations on homes and businesses in Northern and Southern California. Offers military, teacher, firefighter and police discounts. Also offers zero-down loans and leases.
Installs residential and commercial solar energy and thermal systems. Installations include a 25- to 30-year manufacturer warranty on solar products. Established in 1980 and serves many cities throughout Southern California.
Full-service solar installer offering residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial solar installation services across California. Components from brands like Canadian Solar, Enphase, Phono Solar, SMA and Unirac.
Residential and commercial solar installation, energy storage, EV charging and solar training across parts of Canada and the U.S. Offers manufacturer’s warranty on products like Tesla Powerwall. Free quotes available.
Residential and commercial solar installation, energy storage, EV charging, solar carports and roof reinstallation in southern California. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. Financing available or pay upfront.
Solar installers specializing in residential solar, roofing installations, home remodeling and paving. Equipment from APsystems, Enphase Energy, Qcells, SolarEdge, Suntech and Yingli Solar. Pay upfront or finance through a loan.
Residential and commercial solar installations, solar carports and solar patio covers in parts of Southern California. Offers a 25-year warranty on solar energy systems. Finance through a loan, lease or power purchase agreement.
Providing solar energy system installations for homes and businesses in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. 20-25 year product warranties. Pay upfront or finance through a loan or zero-down financing.
Residential solar panel installer offering services in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Also offers EV charging stations for commercial businesses and homes. Backup batteries are also available.
Residential and commercial solar panel installer servicing parts of Southern California. Service areas include the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside Orange and San Diego. Financing options available.
Specializes in residential solar installations in Greater Los Angeles. Offers products from Enphase Energy, IronRidge, K2 Systems, LG Chem, SMA and Unirac. Includes 10-year workmanship warranties on solar installations.
A SoCal-based commercial and residential solar installer that also performs many home improvements, additions and repairs. Solar energy systems with components from companies like Panasonic, LG Chem and Storz Power.
Residential and commercial solar installations in much of Southern California. Solar energy systems from Tesla that include a 25-year warranty on labor, panels and inverters plus 25 years of protection against roof penetration.
Semper Solaris specializes in residential solar panel installation, solar storage, roofing, heating and air conditioning. Service areas include parts of California, Texas, Florida and Arizona.
Works with a variety of solar panel brands. Installs solar batteries and EV charging stations. Provides solar panel cleaning services. Can tackle roof replacement before installing solar panels. Available in California and Texas.
