Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freeport, ME (2024 Update)
- Freeport Solar Installation Cost: $13,948
- 25-Year Savings: $12,247
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freeport
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Freeport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Freeport it’s 4 per watt.Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Freeport, the average price of going solar will be about $13,948 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Freeport based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Freeport find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Freeport for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Freeport
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-12,810 |
3 years | $-10,534 |
5 years | $-8,257 |
7 years | $-5,981 |
9 years | $-3,704 |
11 years | $-1,428 |
13 years | $849 |
15 years | $3,125 |
17 years | $5,402 |
19 years | $7,678 |
21 years | $9,955 |
23 years | $12,231 |
25 years | $14,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Freeport
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Freeport, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Freeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freeport
For many Freeport homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Freeport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably 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 that have higher 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 kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Freeport, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Freeport is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,301 | 16.0 years |
8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,827 | 15.7 years |
10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,565 | 15.4 years |
12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,517 | 15.1 years |
14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,681 | 14.8 years |
16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,058 | 14.5 years |
18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,648 | 14.2 years |
20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,451 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Freeport, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Freeport?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Freeport?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Freeport. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Freeport?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.