Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Cumberland, PA (2024 Update)
- New Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $13,062
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Cumberland
We go over average solar pricing in New Cumberland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in New Cumberland it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in New Cumberland, the average price of going solar will be about $16,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in New Cumberland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in New Cumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,313 |
| 3 years | $-12,827 |
| 5 years | $-10,341 |
| 7 years | $-7,855 |
| 9 years | $-5,369 |
| 11 years | $-2,883 |
| 13 years | $-397 |
| 15 years | $2,089 |
| 17 years | $4,575 |
| 19 years | $7,060 |
| 21 years | $9,546 |
| 23 years | $12,032 |
| 25 years | $14,518 |
Top Solar Installers in New Cumberland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in New Cumberland:
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 New Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Cumberland
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in New Cumberland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in New Cumberland.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like New Cumberland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in New Cumberland, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for New Cumberland homeowners, they can also add to 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
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in New Cumberland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,966 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,686 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,605 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,722 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,038 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,553 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,267 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,179 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned 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 updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 New Cumberland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Cumberland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.