Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumberland, MD (2023 Update)
- Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $11,246
- 25-Year Savings: $5,077
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cumberland.
In Cumberland, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average Cumberland homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,246 with the federal tax credit, or $16,082 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Cumberland homeowner can save about $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Cumberland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,593 |
| 3 years | $-9,287 |
| 5 years | $-7,982 |
| 7 years | $-6,676 |
| 9 years | $-5,370 |
| 11 years | $-4,064 |
| 13 years | $-2,758 |
| 15 years | $-1,452 |
| 17 years | $-146 |
| 19 years | $1,159 |
| 21 years | $2,465 |
| 23 years | $3,771 |
| 25 years | $5,077 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumberland
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumberland
For many Cumberland homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cumberland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cumberland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Cumberland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cumberland is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Cumberland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $4,790 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $6,697 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $8,759 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $10,976 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $13,348 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $15,876 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $18,558 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $21,396 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Cumberland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Cumberland, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cumberland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cumberland is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cumberland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Cumberland. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cumberland?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.