Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dexter, ME (2024 Update)
- Dexter Solar Installation Cost: $14,992
- 25-Year Savings: $12,499
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dexter
We go over average solar pricing in Dexter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dexter it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $14,992 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Dexter homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Dexter for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dexter
| 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 Dexter
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Dexter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dexter
While the average cost of a solar system in Dexter is $14,992, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 Dexter.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dexter provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Dexter homeowners, they can also add to 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
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dexter, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dexter are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $8,593 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,883 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,386 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,102 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,030 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,172 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $31,526 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,092 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Dexter, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dexter?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dexter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $839.72 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Dexter?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.
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.