Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bath, ME (2023 Update)
- Bath Solar Installation Cost: $10,420
- 25-Year Savings: $12,215
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bath
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bath.
In Bath, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average Bath homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,420 with the federal tax credit, or $14,901 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bath homeowner. 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, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Bath, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bath
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,345 |
| 3 years | $-10,194 |
| 5 years | $-10,043 |
| 7 years | $-9,892 |
| 9 years | $-9,741 |
| 11 years | $-9,590 |
| 13 years | $-9,439 |
| 15 years | $-9,288 |
| 17 years | $-9,137 |
| 19 years | $-8,987 |
| 21 years | $-8,836 |
| 23 years | $-8,685 |
| 25 years | $-8,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Bath
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Bath homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bath, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,830 per kilowatt in Bath. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are many companies available in Bath, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 actual cost will depend on stuff 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?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities 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 significantly reduce my power bills?
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 $860.64 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.
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.