Solar Panel Cost Guide in Biddeford, ME (2023 Update)
- Biddeford Solar Installation Cost: $10,222
- 25-Year Savings: $12,413
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Biddeford
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Biddeford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Biddeford generally cost about 2.83. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Biddeford, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,222, or $14,617 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Biddeford can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Biddeford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Biddeford
| 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 Biddeford
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Biddeford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Biddeford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Biddeford: 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
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 around $2,830. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Biddeford, where sunlight is relatively 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Biddeford is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that has 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 | $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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Biddeford, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Biddeford?
The average cost of solar panels in Biddeford 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 things like the type 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 Biddeford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Biddeford?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.