Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bath, ME (Mar 2023)
- Bath Solar Installation Cost: $10,420
- 25-Year Savings: $12,215
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bath
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bath.
The average cost of a solar system in Bath is 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bath is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,420 for a solar installation, or $14,901 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Bath based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bath see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bath
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,515 |
| 3 years | $-7,704 |
| 5 years | $-5,893 |
| 7 years | $-4,082 |
| 9 years | $-2,271 |
| 11 years | $-461 |
| 13 years | $1,350 |
| 15 years | $3,161 |
| 17 years | $4,972 |
| 19 years | $6,783 |
| 21 years | $8,593 |
| 23 years | $10,404 |
| 25 years | $12,215 |
Top Solar Installers in Bath
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bath
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bath
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Bath: 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
Solar 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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bath, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bath have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bath, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bath know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $13,458 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,260 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,222 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,342 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,620 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,057 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,652 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,406 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Bath, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bath?
The average cost of solar panels in Bath is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bath, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.