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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Auburn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Auburn, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $14,377 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Auburn depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Auburn can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Auburn, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial 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 affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Auburn homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Auburn homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Auburn, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component 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 Auburn, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 maximize your savings.
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 either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 requires 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 house 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.