Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumberland, PA (2024 Update)
- Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $16,467
- 25-Year Savings: $15,316
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland
We go over average solar pricing in Cumberland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cumberland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Cumberland homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,467 with the federal tax credit, or $23,548 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Cumberland based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Cumberland homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,224 |
| 3 years | $-12,738 |
| 5 years | $-10,252 |
| 7 years | $-7,766 |
| 9 years | $-5,280 |
| 11 years | $-2,794 |
| 13 years | $-308 |
| 15 years | $2,178 |
| 17 years | $4,664 |
| 19 years | $7,150 |
| 21 years | $9,636 |
| 23 years | $12,122 |
| 25 years | $14,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumberland
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in 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 Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumberland
For many Cumberland homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cumberland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cumberland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cumberland, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cumberland is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $9,071 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,492 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,113 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,931 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,949 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,166 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,581 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,195 | 13.6 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Cumberland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cumberland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cumberland is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cumberland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cumberland. 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cumberland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.