Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, ME (2024 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $15,117
- 25-Year Savings: $11,377
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
We break down average solar pricing in Fairfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairfield typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $15,117 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Fairfield homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Fairfield for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,979 |
| 3 years | $-11,702 |
| 5 years | $-9,426 |
| 7 years | $-7,149 |
| 9 years | $-4,873 |
| 11 years | $-2,596 |
| 13 years | $-320 |
| 15 years | $1,957 |
| 17 years | $4,233 |
| 19 years | $6,510 |
| 21 years | $8,786 |
| 23 years | $11,063 |
| 25 years | $13,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fairfield, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
For many Fairfield homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,800 per kilowatt in Fairfield.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fairfield, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairfield to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fairfield, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,299 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $10,157 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $13,229 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,513 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $20,010 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,719 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $27,642 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,777 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Fairfield, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfield 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 like 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 Fairfield?
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 incentives 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 eliminate my electricity bills?
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 $796.57 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.