Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Kent, ME (2024 Update)
- Fort Kent Solar Installation Cost: $15,252
- 25-Year Savings: $9,789
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Kent
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fort Kent.
In Fort Kent, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Fort Kent homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,252 with the federal tax credit, or $21,810 before the 0 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 true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Fort Kent homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Kent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,142 |
| 3 years | $-11,920 |
| 5 years | $-9,699 |
| 7 years | $-7,478 |
| 9 years | $-5,257 |
| 11 years | $-3,035 |
| 13 years | $-814 |
| 15 years | $1,407 |
| 17 years | $3,628 |
| 19 years | $5,849 |
| 21 years | $8,071 |
| 23 years | $10,292 |
| 25 years | $12,513 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Kent
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fort Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Kent
For many Fort Kent homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Kent, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fort Kent, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fort Kent homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Kent is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,531 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $7,800 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $10,282 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $12,976 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $15,884 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $19,004 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $22,337 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $25,883 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Fort Kent, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Kent?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fort Kent?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Kent. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Kent is currently $201,443, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,259 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Kent is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.