Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belfast, ME (2024 Update)
- Belfast Solar Installation Cost: $14,515
- 25-Year Savings: $11,825
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belfast
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Belfast.
The average cost of a solar system in Belfast is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Belfast, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,515, or $20,756 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Belfast find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belfast
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,376 |
| 3 years | $-11,100 |
| 5 years | $-8,823 |
| 7 years | $-6,547 |
| 9 years | $-4,270 |
| 11 years | $-1,994 |
| 13 years | $283 |
| 15 years | $2,559 |
| 17 years | $4,836 |
| 19 years | $7,112 |
| 21 years | $9,389 |
| 23 years | $11,665 |
| 25 years | $13,942 |
Top Solar Installers in Belfast
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Belfast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belfast
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Belfast: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Belfast, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Belfast homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Belfast, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find 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 | $8,291 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,480 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,882 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,496 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,324 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,364 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,617 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,083 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs 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 respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Belfast, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belfast?
The average cost of solar panels in Belfast 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belfast?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Belfast?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.