Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northern Cambria, PA (2023 Update)
- Northern Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $19,206
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northern Cambria
See how much it might cost to go solar in Northern Cambria.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northern Cambria, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Northern Cambria, the average price of going solar will be about $12,513 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Northern Cambria depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Northern Cambria homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Northern Cambria that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northern Cambria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,244 |
| 3 years | $-8,707 |
| 5 years | $-6,169 |
| 7 years | $-3,632 |
| 9 years | $-1,094 |
| 11 years | $1,443 |
| 13 years | $3,981 |
| 15 years | $6,518 |
| 17 years | $9,056 |
| 19 years | $11,593 |
| 21 years | $14,131 |
| 23 years | $16,668 |
| 25 years | $19,206 |
Top Solar Installers in Northern Cambria
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Northern Cambria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northern Cambria
While the average cost of a solar system in Northern Cambria is $12,513, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Northern Cambria, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Northern Cambria, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Northern Cambria have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $16,028 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,656 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,427 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,340 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,397 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $45,596 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $51,938 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $58,423 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Northern Cambria, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northern Cambria?
The average cost of solar panels in Northern Cambria is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Northern Cambria is currently $73,282, so you can expect a value of about $3,005 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Northern Cambria is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Northern Cambria?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.