Solar Panel Cost Guide in Augusta, ME (2024 Update)
- Augusta Solar Installation Cost: $14,502
- 25-Year Savings: $13,954
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Augusta
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Augusta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Augusta, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Augusta, the average price of going solar will be about $14,502 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Augusta homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Augusta for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Augusta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,364 |
| 3 years | $-11,087 |
| 5 years | $-8,811 |
| 7 years | $-6,534 |
| 9 years | $-4,258 |
| 11 years | $-1,981 |
| 13 years | $295 |
| 15 years | $2,572 |
| 17 years | $4,848 |
| 19 years | $7,125 |
| 21 years | $9,401 |
| 23 years | $11,678 |
| 25 years | $13,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Augusta
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Augusta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Augusta
Although the average cost of a solar system in Augusta is $14,502, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,800. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Augusta, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Augusta 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 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 sustainable energy solutions in Augusta, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Augusta know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $8,312 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,509 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,918 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,540 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,375 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,423 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,683 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,156 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Augusta, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Augusta?
The average cost of solar panels in Augusta is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Augusta have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.