Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambria, PA (2024 Update)
- Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $17,409
- 25-Year Savings: $17,969
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambria
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation 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.The average Cambria homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,409 with the federal tax credit, or $24,895 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Cambria depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cambria find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cambria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,931 |
| 3 years | $-12,976 |
| 5 years | $-10,021 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,111 |
| 11 years | $-1,156 |
| 13 years | $1,798 |
| 15 years | $4,753 |
| 17 years | $7,708 |
| 19 years | $10,663 |
| 21 years | $13,618 |
| 23 years | $16,573 |
| 25 years | $19,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambria
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 dependent on several factors. The biggest 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Cambria’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $10,593 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $14,522 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $18,649 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $22,975 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $27,500 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $32,224 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $37,147 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $42,268 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Cambria, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambria?
The average cost of solar panels in Cambria is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 decide to 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.