Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumberland, PA (Mar 2023)
- Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $15,310
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland
We break down average solar pricing in Cumberland.
In Cumberland, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cumberland, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,835, or $16,924 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Cumberland homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Cumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,749 |
| 3 years | $-8,577 |
| 5 years | $-6,406 |
| 7 years | $-4,234 |
| 9 years | $-2,063 |
| 11 years | $109 |
| 13 years | $2,280 |
| 15 years | $4,452 |
| 17 years | $6,624 |
| 19 years | $8,795 |
| 21 years | $10,967 |
| 23 years | $13,138 |
| 25 years | $15,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumberland
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Cumberland, the EcoWatch team has 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumberland
For many Cumberland homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy 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 a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Cumberland have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cumberland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Cumberland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,439 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,204 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,113 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,163 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,357 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,694 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,173 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,795 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cumberland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $819.25 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.