Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bucksport, ME (2024 Update)
- Bucksport Solar Installation Cost: $14,595
- 25-Year Savings: $12,795
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bucksport
We go over average solar pricing in Bucksport.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bucksport typically cost about 4.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bucksport, the average price of going solar will be about $14,595 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels 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.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bucksport can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bucksport for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bucksport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,564 |
| 3 years | $-11,503 |
| 5 years | $-9,442 |
| 7 years | $-7,380 |
| 9 years | $-5,319 |
| 11 years | $-3,258 |
| 13 years | $-1,197 |
| 15 years | $865 |
| 17 years | $2,926 |
| 19 years | $4,987 |
| 21 years | $7,048 |
| 23 years | $9,110 |
| 25 years | $11,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Bucksport
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel 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 Bucksport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bucksport
For many Bucksport homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bucksport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bucksport to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bucksport is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,279 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,798 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,529 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,473 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,630 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,000 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,582 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,378 | 13.9 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Bucksport, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bucksport?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bucksport?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $862.58 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Bucksport?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.