Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambria, NY (2023 Update)
- Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $8,590
- 25-Year Savings: $7,265
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambria
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cambria.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cambria generally cost around 2.95. Since 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 $8,590 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cambria find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cambria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,956 |
| 3 years | $-6,688 |
| 5 years | $-5,419 |
| 7 years | $-4,151 |
| 9 years | $-2,883 |
| 11 years | $-1,614 |
| 13 years | $-346 |
| 15 years | $923 |
| 17 years | $2,191 |
| 19 years | $3,460 |
| 21 years | $4,728 |
| 23 years | $5,996 |
| 25 years | $7,265 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambria
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Cambria, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Cambria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambria
The cost of installing a solar system in Cambria can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,950. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cambria, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $9,985 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $13,644 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $17,468 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $21,458 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $25,612 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $29,932 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $34,416 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $39,067 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Cambria, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambria?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cambria?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cambria?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.