Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumberland, ME (2025 Update)
- Cumberland Solar Installation Cost: $13,948
- 25-Year Savings: $12,247
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cumberland.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cumberland is 4 per watt.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cumberland, the average price of going solar will be about $13,948 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Cumberland depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Cumberland homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Cumberland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,810 |
| 3 years | $-10,534 |
| 5 years | $-8,257 |
| 7 years | $-5,981 |
| 9 years | $-3,704 |
| 11 years | $-1,428 |
| 13 years | $849 |
| 15 years | $3,125 |
| 17 years | $5,402 |
| 19 years | $7,678 |
| 21 years | $9,955 |
| 23 years | $12,231 |
| 25 years | $14,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumberland
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Cumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumberland
There are a number of criteria that can influence 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Cumberland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Cumberland provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cumberland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Cumberland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,301 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,827 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,565 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,517 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,681 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,058 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,648 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,451 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
EcoWatch's Cumberland, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cumberland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cumberland is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Cumberland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cumberland. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate 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 $863.31 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Cumberland?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.