Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambria, NY (2024 Update)
- Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $10,627
- 25-Year Savings: $7,266
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambria
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cambria.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cambria, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,627 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Cambria based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Cambria for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Cambria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,746 |
| 3 years | $-7,984 |
| 5 years | $-6,222 |
| 7 years | $-4,460 |
| 9 years | $-2,698 |
| 11 years | $-936 |
| 13 years | $826 |
| 15 years | $2,588 |
| 17 years | $4,350 |
| 19 years | $6,112 |
| 21 years | $7,874 |
| 23 years | $9,636 |
| 25 years | $11,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambria
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cambria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambria
The cost of installing a solar system in Cambria can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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
Most solar companies in Cambria have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cambria homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Cambria’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $6,928 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,646 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,568 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,695 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $19,026 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $22,562 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $26,302 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $30,247 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Cambria, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambria?
The average cost of solar panels in Cambria is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cambria?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cambria. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $762.37 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.