Solar Panel Cost Guide in Augusta, ME (2023 Update)
- Augusta Solar Installation Cost: $10,800
- 25-Year Savings: $11,835
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Augusta
We break down average solar pricing in Augusta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Augusta, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.83 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $10,796 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Augusta find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Augusta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,662 |
| 3 years | $-7,385 |
| 5 years | $-5,109 |
| 7 years | $-2,832 |
| 9 years | $-556 |
| 11 years | $1,721 |
| 13 years | $3,997 |
| 15 years | $6,274 |
| 17 years | $8,550 |
| 19 years | $10,827 |
| 21 years | $13,103 |
| 23 years | $15,380 |
| 25 years | $17,656 |
Top Solar Installers in Augusta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Augusta, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Augusta average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Augusta, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Augusta's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $12,549 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,050 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,708 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,525 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $31,501 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $36,635 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,927 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $47,378 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Augusta?
The average cost of solar panels in Augusta is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Augusta?
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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Augusta?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.