Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgton, ME (2023 Update)
- Bridgton Solar Installation Cost: $10,380
- 25-Year Savings: $12,255
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bridgton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridgton it's 2.83 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $10,380 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bridgton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Bridgton homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,475 |
| 3 years | $-7,664 |
| 5 years | $-5,853 |
| 7 years | $-4,043 |
| 9 years | $-2,232 |
| 11 years | $-421 |
| 13 years | $1,390 |
| 15 years | $3,201 |
| 17 years | $5,011 |
| 19 years | $6,822 |
| 21 years | $8,633 |
| 23 years | $10,444 |
| 25 years | $12,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bridgton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgton
The cost of installing a solar system in Bridgton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Bridgton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridgton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bridgton is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $13,538 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,367 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,355 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,502 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,807 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,270 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,892 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,673 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Bridgton, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bridgton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bridgton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bridgton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bridgton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.