Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bath, ME (2024 Update)
- Bath Solar Installation Cost: $13,992
- 25-Year Savings: $12,215
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bath
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bath.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bath generally cost about 4.The average Bath homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,992 with the federal tax credit, or $20,009 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Bath for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bath
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,853 |
| 3 years | $-10,577 |
| 5 years | $-8,300 |
| 7 years | $-6,024 |
| 9 years | $-3,747 |
| 11 years | $-1,471 |
| 13 years | $806 |
| 15 years | $3,082 |
| 17 years | $5,358 |
| 19 years | $7,635 |
| 21 years | $9,911 |
| 23 years | $12,188 |
| 25 years | $14,464 |
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 pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bath, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bath is $13,992, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bath offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Bath, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.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 add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,221 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,720 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,432 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,357 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,494 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,845 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,408 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,184 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bath?
The average cost of solar panels in Bath is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bath?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 property 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bath is currently $343,579, which means you can expect a value of about $14,087 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bath is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.