Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambria, PA (2024 Update)
- Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $17,409
- 25-Year Savings: $17,969
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambria
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cambria.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cambria, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cambria is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,409 for a solar installation, or $24,895 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cambria can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Cambria, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cambria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,931 |
| 3 years | $-12,976 |
| 5 years | $-10,021 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,111 |
| 11 years | $-1,156 |
| 13 years | $1,798 |
| 15 years | $4,753 |
| 17 years | $7,708 |
| 19 years | $10,663 |
| 21 years | $13,618 |
| 23 years | $16,573 |
| 25 years | $19,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambria
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Cambria, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Cambria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambria
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Cambria: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cambria average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cambria to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Cambria are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $10,593 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $14,522 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $18,649 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $22,975 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $27,500 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $32,224 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $37,147 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $42,268 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Cambria, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cambria?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.