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

  • Bangor Solar Installation Cost: $14,992
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,499
  • Payback Period: 15.8 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 Bangor

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bangor.

The average cost of solar panels in Bangor is 4 per watt.The average Bangor homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,992 with the federal tax credit, or $21,439 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bangor find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Bangor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,961
3 years $-11,900
5 years $-9,839
7 years $-7,778
9 years $-5,716
11 years $-3,655
13 years $-1,594
15 years $467
17 years $2,529
19 years $4,590
21 years $6,651
23 years $8,712
25 years $10,774

Top Solar Installers in Bangor

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Bangor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bangor

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bangor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Bangor.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Bangor offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Bangor’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bangor know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $8,593 16.5 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $11,883 16.2 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $15,386 15.8 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $19,102 15.5 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $23,030 15.2 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $27,172 14.9 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $31,526 14.6 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $36,092 14.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.

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 Bangor, ME Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bangor?

The average cost of solar panels in Bangor 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Bangor?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Bangor. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

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

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $839.72 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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