Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buxton, ME (Mar 2023)
- Buxton 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 Buxton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Buxton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buxton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.83 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $10,222 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Buxton depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buxton
| 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 Buxton
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Buxton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buxton
For many Buxton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Buxton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly 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 some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Buxton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Buxton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 go with the 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Buxton, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buxton?
The average cost of solar panels in Buxton 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Buxton?
Solar panels aren't free in Buxton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $876.62 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.