Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berwick, ME (2023 Update)
- Berwick Solar Installation Cost: $10,222
- 25-Year Savings: $12,413
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berwick
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Berwick.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berwick, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.83 per watt. The average Berwick homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,222 with the federal tax credit, or $14,617 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berwick find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Berwick for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berwick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,317 |
| 3 years | $-7,506 |
| 5 years | $-5,695 |
| 7 years | $-3,884 |
| 9 years | $-2,073 |
| 11 years | $-263 |
| 13 years | $1,548 |
| 15 years | $3,359 |
| 17 years | $5,170 |
| 19 years | $6,981 |
| 21 years | $8,791 |
| 23 years | $10,602 |
| 25 years | $12,413 |
Top Solar Installers in Berwick
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Berwick, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Berwick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berwick
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Berwick homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Berwick is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $13,937 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,900 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $24,021 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $29,301 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $34,739 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $40,335 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $46,091 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $52,004 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Berwick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Berwick, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berwick?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
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 Berwick is currently $227,000, so you can expect a value of about $9,307 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Berwick is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 household 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.