Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brewer, ME (2024 Update)
- Brewer Solar Installation Cost: $14,992
- 25-Year Savings: $13,013
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brewer
We go over average solar pricing in Brewer.
The average cost of a solar system in Brewer is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Brewer is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,992 for a solar installation, or $21,439 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Brewer homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Brewer for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brewer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,961 |
| 3 years | $-11,900 |
| 5 years | $-9,839 |
| 7 years | $-7,778 |
| 9 years | $-5,716 |
| 11 years | $-3,655 |
| 13 years | $-1,594 |
| 15 years | $467 |
| 17 years | $2,529 |
| 19 years | $4,590 |
| 21 years | $6,651 |
| 23 years | $8,712 |
| 25 years | $10,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Brewer
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Brewer, we've put together 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 Brewer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brewer
There are a number of criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Brewer.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brewer average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Brewer homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brewer is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $9,141 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,614 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,299 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,197 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,308 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,632 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,169 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $37,918 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Brewer, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brewer?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brewer?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 home 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?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brewer is currently $274,158, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,240 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brewer is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 install 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.