Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambria, NY (2024 Update)

  • Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $10,627
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,266
  • Payback Period: 16.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambria

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cambria.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cambria typically cost around 4.Because a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cambria, the average price of going solar will be about $10,627 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Cambria can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cambria

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,746
3 years$-7,984
5 years$-6,222
7 years$-4,460
9 years$-2,698
11 years$-936
13 years$826
15 years$2,588
17 years$4,350
19 years$6,112
21 years$7,874
23 years$9,636
25 years$11,398

Top Solar Installers in Cambria

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Cambria, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Cambria

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambria

There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Cambria.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cambria average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Cambria have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Cambria’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cambria know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$6,92817.4 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$9,64617.1 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$12,56816.8 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$15,69516.4 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$19,02616.1 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$22,56215.8 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$26,30215.4 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$30,24715.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Cambria, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambria?

The average cost of solar panels in Cambria is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Cambria?

Solar panels aren’t free in Cambria, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cambria, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Cambria?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.