Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dexter, ME (2023 Update)
- Dexter Solar Installation Cost: $11,165
- 25-Year Savings: $12,499
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dexter
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dexter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dexter it's 2.83 per watt. The average Dexter homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,173 with the federal tax credit, or $15,977 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dexter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,086 |
| 3 years | $-10,928 |
| 5 years | $-10,771 |
| 7 years | $-10,613 |
| 9 years | $-10,455 |
| 11 years | $-10,297 |
| 13 years | $-10,140 |
| 15 years | $-9,982 |
| 17 years | $-9,824 |
| 19 years | $-9,666 |
| 21 years | $-9,509 |
| 23 years | $-9,351 |
| 25 years | $-9,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Dexter
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Dexter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,830 per kilowatt in Dexter. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dexter average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Dexter homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides 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 | $12,830 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,424 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,176 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $27,087 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $32,156 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $37,384 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $42,770 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $48,314 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Dexter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dexter?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dexter?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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.
Does Dexter have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.