Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumberland, MD (2024 Update)
- Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $14,370
- 25-Year Savings: $16,945
- Payback Period: 22.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Cumberland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cumberland it’s 4 per watt.Since a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cumberland, the average price of going solar will be about $14,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Cumberland depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Cumberland for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,117 |
| 3 years | $-10,612 |
| 5 years | $-8,107 |
| 7 years | $-5,602 |
| 9 years | $-3,097 |
| 11 years | $-591 |
| 13 years | $1,914 |
| 15 years | $4,419 |
| 17 years | $6,924 |
| 19 years | $9,429 |
| 21 years | $11,934 |
| 23 years | $14,439 |
| 25 years | $16,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumberland
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cumberland, 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumberland
The cost of installing a solar system in Cumberland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,540. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cumberland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Cumberland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $1,427 | 22.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,299 | 22.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,369 | 22.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $4,637 | 21.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,104 | 21.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $7,769 | 20.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $9,632 | 20.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $11,694 | 19.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Cumberland, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cumberland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cumberland is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cumberland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Cumberland?
Although 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 decide 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.