Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumberland, PA (2024 Update)
- Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $16,467
- 25-Year Savings: $15,316
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland
We go over average solar pricing in Cumberland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cumberland, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cumberland is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,467 for a solar installation, or $23,548 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Cumberland depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Cumberland homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cumberland
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,224 |
3 years | $-12,738 |
5 years | $-10,252 |
7 years | $-7,766 |
9 years | $-5,280 |
11 years | $-2,794 |
13 years | $-308 |
15 years | $2,178 |
17 years | $4,664 |
19 years | $7,150 |
21 years | $9,636 |
23 years | $12,122 |
25 years | $14,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumberland
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cumberland:
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 Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumberland
For many Cumberland homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cumberland homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Cumberland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $9,071 | 15.8 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,492 | 15.5 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,113 | 15.2 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,931 | 14.9 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,949 | 14.6 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,166 | 14.3 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,581 | 14.0 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,195 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Cumberland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Cumberland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cumberland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cumberland is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cumberland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.