Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arundel, ME (2024 Update)

  • Arundel Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,291
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arundel

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Arundel.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Arundel it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Arundel, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,737, or $19,644 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arundel find installing solar panels can pay off big.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Arundel

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,598
3 years $-10,322
5 years $-8,045
7 years $-5,769
9 years $-3,492
11 years $-1,216
13 years $1,061
15 years $3,337
17 years $5,614
19 years $7,890
21 years $10,167
23 years $12,443
25 years $14,720

Top Solar Installers in Arundel

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Arundel.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Arundel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.95 $16,598 $10,730 15.2 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $14,732 14.9 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $18,947 14.6 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $23,375 14.3 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $28,016 14.0 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $32,869 13.7 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $37,935 13.4 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $43,214 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in Arundel is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Arundel?

Solar panels aren’t free in Arundel, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Arundel, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Arundel?

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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.

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