Solar Panels Cost $13k-$23k in Lancaster County, VA | August, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Lancaster County, VA in 2025?
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To go solar is around $3.77 per watt in Lancaster County, VA in August, 2025.
It will cost $3,770, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) your panels can produce. A 5 kW system in Lancaster County averages approximately $13,195 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. A 5kW system may not be big enough to fully meet your energy needs.
On the left, you can choose your county to find the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. Below, you can see a summary of the price, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Lancaster County: $13,195US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Lancaster County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Lancaster County: $19,812US Average: $17,429
Solar Potential in Lancaster County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Lancaster County.
Roof size 697sq. ft.
Capacity 9.75kW DC
Electricity 12.1kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Lancaster County, VA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Lancaster County, the average electric bill is 161.09 per month, and residents use 1,074 kWh. Smaller houses, such as condos and duplexes, are also encompassed in the figures mentioned in the previous sentence.
As of August 2025, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Lancaster County, VA amounts to 15¢.
At this time, a 9 kW solar system is priced at $33,930, but with a 30% tax credit, it is reduced to $23,751
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Lancaster County
Displayed on the left and below is the pricing structure for various sizes of solar panel systems installed in Lancaster County. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is greater, but it also yields more significant electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.
The solar panel calculator, positioned down and to the right, provides a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $161.09 electric bill for Lancaster County. For tailored results, update the $161.09 to what your average electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,108 a year
Est. Price
$13,195
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,384 kWh
Est. monthly savings $92
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.75 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 126 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,808 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,329 a year
Est. Price
$15,834
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,861 kWh
Est. monthly savings $111
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,170 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,551 a year
Est. Price
$18,473
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,337 kWh
Est. monthly savings $129
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.85 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,532 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,772 a year
Est. Price
$21,112
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,814 kWh
Est. monthly savings $148
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.4 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 202 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,893 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,994 a year
Est. Price
$23,751
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,291 kWh
Est. monthly savings $161
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.8 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 220 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,876 mi less a year
Lancaster County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Not sure if you are eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.
For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to nearly everyone, which makes solar power a smart investment in numerous parts of the country. A variety of regional and state programs are in place to support solar energy adoption.
A total of 9 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Virginia from multiple utilities and government bodies.
Solar incentives in VAIncentive Description Value
Commercial Solar Property Tax Exemption
Value:Varies
In June of 2000, Austin passed Resolution No. 000608-43, mandating that all newly constructed dwellings must be built to conform with the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver. This policy was further revised and enhanced in November 2007 under Resolution No. 20071129-045 to set two additional criteria for instigating the LEED Silver requirement for both new construction and major renovations. Likewise, home renovations smaller in scope but costing $300,000 or more and requiring work in the LEED energy and atmosphere, material and resources, must, at a minimum, necessarily achieve LEED Silver certification.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
In Virginia, renewable energy customers may enroll in net metering contracts to receive compensation for using their generation equipment. Net metering is standardized for private and cooperative electric utilities, but not for local public utilities. Upon approval of a customer's net metering application, their utility will install a bidirectional meter onto the system to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will be compensated per kW of NEG at a fixed avoided-cost rate. Fees may apply depending on system capacity and jurisdiction. Additional information is available from individual utilities.
Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar
Value:Varies
In Virginia, local and county governments may choose to promote solar energy adoption and recycling equipment through property tax incentives. Participating localities may implement either partial or total exemptions on any equipment used to generate, store, or distribute solar power or energy for heating/cooling. Any solar PV and active/passive water or space heater may qualify. Additional information is available from local governments.
Energy Project and Equipment Financing
Value:Varies
Over the roughly the last two decades, The City of Austin instituted several ambitious energy efficiency codes, policies, and programs. In February 2007, its city council signed into law the Austin Climate Protection Plan that promoted the drafting of a wide diversity of new building codes intended to reduce energy consumption in new single-family homes by 65% and other buildings both private and public, by 75%. Prior to this, Austin introduced the first green building program in the U.S. with the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) that proposed a five-star rating system for assessing energy efficiency. While buildings must meet the prescriptive code requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, Chapter 4, regarding the Commercial rating, meeting the series of Basic Requirements (required for all AEGB rated projects) are considered voluntary.
City of Danville - Net Metering
Value:Varies
The city of Danville has set local net metering standards for interconnected renewable energy systems. To begin net metering, a solar energy system owner should notify the city at least 30-60 days before interconnection (depending on their system's capacity.) The city requires compliance with IEEE/UL standards, minimum liability insurance coverage, and the installation of external disconnect switches. Once all interconnection standards are satisfied, net excess generation will be credited to the owner's energy bill at an avoided-cost rate. Additional information is available from the city website.
Small Business & Non-Profit Loan Program
Value:Varies
In 2009, Forth Worth voted to adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code to include such amendments as the City Building Code. In accordance with State Law, The City of Forth Worth presently enforces the 2015 International Conservation Code with all amendments thereto. Both the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments and Code 2013 ASHRAE 90.1 are effectively used in Forth Worth to maintain state-level compliance with the Texas energy conservation mandate for all commercial buildings within the state.
Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption
Value:Varies
In 2014, Houston passed a municipal law, Ordinance No. 2014-5 in the year 2014 that made it a requirement for new residential construction to exceed the energy efficiency requirements under the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 15%. The City of Houston then legislated to bring itself in alignment with Chapter 11 of the 2015 IECC and its amendments, per state law. Before that time, in 2008, Houston effectuated the City of Houston Commercial Energy Conservation Code based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004.
Green Job Creation Tax Credit
Value:Varies
Oncor residential customers can take advantage of rebates offered by its utility, Oncor Electric Delivery, after installing a photovoltaic (PV) system on their properties. Residential homeowners, service providers, and third parties, alike, are eligible for the rebate. To qualify, the home must have Oncor Systems as its electric delivery service provider, the systems are required to be new, connected to the grid, and meet all applicable code requirements. Installations must be performed by approved service providers who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
VirginiaSAVES Green Community Loan Program
Value:Varies
Members of CoServ Electric Cooperative can access a rebate program available to them after installing a solar energy system on their property. To qualify, customers are required to execute an interconnection agreement (with net metering) for on-site generation with CoServ. All energy that’s acquired from generation produced by the system is given to CoServ without compensation. Concerning this rebate program, interested parties should contact the utility directly or visit their homepage for the most up-to-date information.
Are solar panels worth it in Lancaster County, VA?
For those looking to stay in their home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Lancaster County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Lancaster County, VA, you can expect to save roughly $25,466.6 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Lancaster County, VA
If you don't have solar panels or an alternate backup power source, you forgo the previously mentioned savings and your household is completely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by numerous recent news reports, total reliance on your utility isn't always the best situation.
Each year, the average number of outages per customer in Lancaster County is about 1.23. Outages generally last for an average of 109.34 minutes. During major occurrences like winter storms, wildlife damage, or overloaded power grids, these times can extend significantly.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Lancaster County.
A solar energy system, with or without a backup battery or not, can relieve the pressure of future power outages you may face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Lancaster County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Lancaster County, VA?
Your Energy Needs - When opting for larger solar panel systems, the overall expense is greater; however, the cost per watt decreases with an increase in system size. Homeowners often find that setting up a solar system to replace their electric bill is a good move, resulting in the most savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Because the installer you choose might have particular brand preferences, selecting a recommended contractor is especially important. Opting for higher quality equipment generally ensures a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry. They have a higher price, but they produce more energy. Many solar panel installers choose this type of material.
Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges like uneven land, trees, or other challenges can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, solar installers commonly utilize satellite images to assess your home and factor in these considerations into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varied employee wages paid by companies lead to costs that consumers ultimately paying . Higher wages generally correlate with better reviews for businesses' services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. That said, experienced local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Lancaster County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Lancaster County?
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Lancaster County, VA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In August, 2025, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Lancaster County, VA is $3.77/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,195 in Lancaster County, VA after the federal tax credit is applied.
In Virginia, you have access to 9 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
While cash payments offer the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing options from installers will often be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Lancaster County, VA can expect 5 kW solar panels to pay off in 7 years, with an estimated $25,466.6 in electricity savings during a 20-year span.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
