Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arundel, ME (Mar 2023)
- Arundel Solar Installation Cost: $10,222
- 25-Year Savings: $13,299
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arundel
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Arundel.
The average cost of solar panels in Arundel is 2.83 per watt. Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Arundel, the average price of going solar will be about $10,222 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arundel find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Arundel, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arundel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,281 |
| 3 years | $-7,399 |
| 5 years | $-5,518 |
| 7 years | $-3,636 |
| 9 years | $-1,754 |
| 11 years | $127 |
| 13 years | $2,009 |
| 15 years | $3,891 |
| 17 years | $5,772 |
| 19 years | $7,654 |
| 21 years | $9,536 |
| 23 years | $11,418 |
| 25 years | $13,299 |
Top Solar Installers in Arundel
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Arundel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arundel
For many Arundel homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arundel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Arundel, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Arundel provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Arundel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Arundel's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $14,967 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $20,273 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $25,737 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $31,360 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $37,141 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $43,081 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $49,180 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $55,436 | 9.8 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Arundel, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arundel?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Arundel?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Arundel?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.