Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bar Harbor, ME (2025 Update)
- Bar Harbor Solar Installation Cost: $14,595
- 25-Year Savings: $13,309
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bar Harbor
We break down average solar pricing in Bar Harbor.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bar Harbor generally cost around 4.The average Bar Harbor homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,595 with the federal tax credit, or $20,871 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 needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bar Harbor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,564 |
| 3 years | $-11,503 |
| 5 years | $-9,442 |
| 7 years | $-7,380 |
| 9 years | $-5,319 |
| 11 years | $-3,258 |
| 13 years | $-1,197 |
| 15 years | $865 |
| 17 years | $2,926 |
| 19 years | $4,987 |
| 21 years | $7,048 |
| 23 years | $9,110 |
| 25 years | $11,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Bar Harbor
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're looking for a solar company in Bar Harbor, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Bar Harbor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bar Harbor
For many Bar Harbor homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bar Harbor, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Bar Harbor.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
Most solar companies in Bar Harbor provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bar Harbor, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $9,842 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,548 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,467 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,598 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,943 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,500 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $35,270 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $40,253 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Bar Harbor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
EcoWatch's Bar Harbor, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bar Harbor?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bar Harbor?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bar Harbor, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.