Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover-Foxcroft, ME (2024 Update)
- Dover-Foxcroft Solar Installation Cost: $15,174
- 25-Year Savings: $12,363
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover-Foxcroft
We go over average solar pricing in Dover-Foxcroft.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dover-Foxcroft it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dover-Foxcroft, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,174, or $21,699 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Dover-Foxcroft homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover-Foxcroft
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,144 |
| 3 years | $-12,082 |
| 5 years | $-10,021 |
| 7 years | $-7,960 |
| 9 years | $-5,899 |
| 11 years | $-3,837 |
| 13 years | $-1,776 |
| 15 years | $285 |
| 17 years | $2,346 |
| 19 years | $4,408 |
| 21 years | $6,469 |
| 23 years | $8,530 |
| 25 years | $10,591 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover-Foxcroft
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Dover-Foxcroft:
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 Dover-Foxcroft
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover-Foxcroft
Though the average cost of a solar system in Dover-Foxcroft is $15,174, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Dover-Foxcroft, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Dover-Foxcroft’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dover-Foxcroft know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $8,291 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,480 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,882 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,497 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,324 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,365 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,618 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,084 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Dover-Foxcroft, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover-Foxcroft?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover-Foxcroft 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dover-Foxcroft?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Dover-Foxcroft?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Dover-Foxcroft?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.