Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, ME (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $14,377
- 25-Year Savings: $11,928
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Auburn.
In Auburn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Auburn homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,377 with the federal tax credit, or $20,559 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-13,239 |
3 years | $-10,962 |
5 years | $-8,686 |
7 years | $-6,409 |
9 years | $-4,133 |
11 years | $-1,856 |
13 years | $420 |
15 years | $2,697 |
17 years | $4,973 |
19 years | $7,250 |
21 years | $9,526 |
23 years | $11,803 |
25 years | $14,079 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Auburn, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
The cost of installing a solar system in Auburn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Auburn average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Auburn, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $8,529 | 16.5 years |
8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,797 | 16.2 years |
10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,279 | 15.9 years |
12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,973 | 15.6 years |
14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,880 | 15.2 years |
16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,000 | 14.9 years |
18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $31,332 | 14.6 years |
20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,878 | 14.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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 Auburn, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Auburn?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.