Best Solar Companies in Lancaster, CA

Sunlux, Sunrun and Ameco are our top picks

    • Best overall
      Sunlux
      4.2(580)
    • Payment options
      Sunrun
      4.3(3,802)
    • Solid warranty
      Ameco Solar & Roofing
      4.4(67)
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Reviewed by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Lancaster, CA

    Based on local customer satisfaction ratings, Sunlux is the best solar company in Lancaster overall. Sunrun stands out for its affordable solar leasing options, and Ameco has one of the best warranties we’ve ever seen.

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    Our top 3 solar companies in Lancaster

    1. Best overall: Sunlux
    2. Best payment options: Sunrun
    3. Best warranty: Ameco Solar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar panel installation companies on several factors to select our top picks for this guide. Read the full methodology for more information on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations. ConsumerAffairs’ publishing policy ensures that journalistic content and user reviews on our site remain independent of commercial influences.

    Compare Lancaster’s best solar energy companies

    Our Lancaster solar company picks

    Our top pick overall

    Sunlux

    Sunlux
    Max. panel efficiency
    19.7%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan and lease
    Year founded
    2015

    Sunlux is a top-rated solar company in California. Reps can coordinate financing, EV charging and smart home solutions, as well as roofing services if needed. We like that it has a range of solar equipment options. Its 24/7 monitoring app lets you easily track your system’s performance, and tech support is on standby if anything goes wrong.

    “Sunlux was the most thorough. They were not the most affordable, but their honesty combined with their pricing was the best.”
    Karina Lancaster, CA

    Sunlux specializes in residential solar panel installations with battery backup systems. It’s available throughout California.

    • Equipment: Installers use solar panels from REC Solar, Qcells and Aptos Solar Technology. SolarEdge inverters and Enphase microinverters. Battery options include the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase AC Battery and LG Chem RESU.
    • Payment options: Sunlux offers unsecured loans through third-party solar loan partners. You can also lease a system with no upfront costs. Lease agreements last 25 years.
    • Warranties: Sunlux has two tiers of warranty options. The standard warranty covers your system’s installation and physical components (panels, inverter and racking) for 25 years. With Platinum Protection, Sunlux also covers labor for repairs and guarantees the energy your system generates for 25 years.
    Pros
    • Lots of local experience
    • 24/7 system monitoring
    • Flexible financing options
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • No in-house financing
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional delays
    Best payment options

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    20 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007

    If you want to go solar but don’t have tens of thousands of dollars saved up, Sunrun’s lease program can be a good option. You pay no upfront costs for the panels, equipment, installation or permits. Instead of buying the system, you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the electricity it produces.

    Here’s why it makes sense: If your lease payment is lower than your current electric bill, you start saving immediately. And while utility rates are likely to increase over time, your payment stays more predictable. You’re essentially locking in today’s energy costs for the next 25 years.

    “Sunrun only took a couple of weeks to get the system up and running so it wasn’t too bad. With energy rates going up, having them gives me peace of mind.”
    Kevin Lancaster, CA

    Sunrun maintains the system during the lease term (typically 25 years). If a panel stops working or the inverter breaks, Sunrun is responsible for repairing or replacing it for free.

    • Equipment: Sunrun systems use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers. Battery storage options include Tesla, Lunar Energy and FranklinWH.
    • Payment options: Leases require minimal upfront payment. As of publishing, the company’s available discounts include $0 down for some financing and loan plans. If you purchase the system, you are responsible for maintenance and repairs.
    • Warranties: Purchased systems include a 10-year warranty covering workmanship and equipment, plus a 25-year performance guarantee. Leased systems include free maintenance and repairs.
    Pros
    • Reliable system performance
    • Flexible payment options
    • Daily system monitoring
    • Roof leak warranty
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Mixed customer service experiences
    • Some billing issues reported
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Best warranty

    Ameco Solar & Roofing

    Ameco Solar & Roofing
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    40 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    1974

    Ameco Solar stands out for its helpful representatives, fair pricing and consistently efficient installations. Plus, it offers one of the longest warranties we’ve seen from any solar company.

    While a few customers mention occasional scheduling delays or equipment hiccups, overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive. We also like that you can track your solar panel production through Ameco’s app or website after installation.

    One thing to keep in mind: If your roof is old, you might need to replace it before installing solar panels. Ameco also offers roof repair services, so bundling a roof replacement with your solar installation could save you money.

    “Ameco Solar exceeded my expectations with their outstanding service. From the consultation to the installation, their customer service was 10/10. Since getting solar panels with Ameco Solar, I’ve experienced significant savings.”
    Johnny Lancaster, CA

    Headquartered in Valley Village, Ameco is available to residential and commercial customers throughout California. It generally charges between $25,000 and $30,000 for residential solar installations (before any financial incentives are applied).

    • Equipment: Installers use high-quality solar panels from brands like REC, paired with SolarEdge optimizers or Enphase microinverters. Ameco also provides composite shingle roofing services and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
    • Payment options: If you don’t want to pay upfront, Ameco reps can help you find financing through third-party solar loans if needed.
    • Warranty: Installations come with a 40-year warranty on the solar equipment.
    Pros
    • Great warranty
    • Good customer service
    • Roofing services available
    • NABCEP certified
    • Lots of local experience
    Cons
    • Possible installation delays
    • No in-house financing

    Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Lancaster, California

    We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving California. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

    Local customer satisfaction (65%)
    We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Lancaster. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

    Price satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

    Installation satisfaction (7%)
    We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

    Customer service satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

    Payment options (7%)
    We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

    Warranties and guarantees (7%)
    We compared equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.

    Solar Companies in Lancaster Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunlux logo
    Sunrun logo
    Ameco Solar & Roofing logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      High energy costs in California make going solar a smart choice for a lot of residents. But with so many options to choose from in Lancaster, where should you start? This guide explains what to look for in a solar company, how to compare quotes and more.

      Key insights

      Average solar panel installation costs generally start between $11,556 and $23,111 in Lancaster.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panels are a long-term investment (most systems last 25 years or more). That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      How much do solar panels cost in Lancaster?

      Statewide, a typical solar panel installation in California costs $12,224 to $24,449. Average prices in Lancaster are comparable, ranging $11,556 to $23,111.

      Your solar costs will depend on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

      Average solar panel costs by system size in Lancaster

      NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Financing options and leasing programs make solar more affordable for Lancaster homeowners. In an ideal scenario, your solar savings offset your monthly loan payment.

      • Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
      • Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.
      • 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 through the California Environmental Protection Agency.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      How to choose a solar company in Lancaster

      Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

      1. Know what you want

      If you’re going solar to save on energy costs, you have to make sure your system is big enough to generate enough power.

      A typical California household needs a 7.2 kW system to offset energy costs enough to make going solar worth it. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      How do I know what size system I need?

      On your electric bill, it should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW). For example, if you used 12,000 kWh last year, you need a 10-kW system.

      Recent changes to California’s net metering make proper system sizing critical. Use your past 12 months of energy data to avoid installing more solar capacity than you can benefit from, since oversizing won’t provide extra value under Lancaster’s net metering rules.

      What to know about solar batteries

      Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.

      Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.

      Adding a battery can provide backup power and reduce electricity costs, but it comes with a higher upfront price. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.

      Pro tip

      Upgrade old appliances before going solar. A more eco-friendly water heater, refrigerator or clothes dryer reduces how much electricity your household needs. That means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

      2. Read reviews

      Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and other forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

      1. Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
      2. Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
      3. Billing and contract issues

      3. Check credentials

      California requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. Make sure your installer also has:

      • Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
      • NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

      4. Compare quotes

      Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in California. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In California, the average cost per watt is $2.44.

      Make sure the quoted price includes installation, permits and grid hookup, and watch for hidden fees like monitoring or service charges.

      5. Read the fine print

      The contract should be easy to understand. Focus on warranties for panels, inverters and installation workmanship, as well as any performance guarantees.

      If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.

      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.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      FAQ

      Are there any other solar incentives in Lancaster?

      Residents can also take advantage of statewide solar incentives in California, including Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels.

      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 addition to government incentives, you might be able to save money through manufacturers’ rebates.

      How does net metering work in Lancaster?

      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.

      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 is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

      The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals, whereas polycrystalline panels are made from various silicon fragments melted together. Both are types of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

      Are solar panels expensive to maintain?

      No, solar panels have relatively low maintenance costs. If you clean the solar panels yourself, the only maintenance cost will be the water used to hose them down. Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels typically costs between $100 and $350.

      Are solar panels worth it in Lancaster?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $114,697 in utility costs on average.

      Solar is worth considering if you like the idea of a cheaper monthly energy bill. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons


      Guide sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

      1. California Solar & Storage Association, “Thinking About Going Solar?” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
      2. DSIRE, “California Programs.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), “California Solar.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
      4. Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
      5. U.S. Department of Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
      6. Solar Energy Industries Association, “Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Energy.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.

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