Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freeport, ME (2023 Update)
- Freeport Solar Installation Cost: $10,388
- 25-Year Savings: $12,247
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freeport
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Freeport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Freeport it's 2.83 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Freeport, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,380, or $14,843 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Freeport homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Freeport homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Freeport for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Freeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,312 |
| 3 years | $-10,162 |
| 5 years | $-10,011 |
| 7 years | $-9,860 |
| 9 years | $-9,709 |
| 11 years | $-9,558 |
| 13 years | $-9,407 |
| 15 years | $-9,256 |
| 17 years | $-9,105 |
| 19 years | $-8,954 |
| 21 years | $-8,803 |
| 23 years | $-8,653 |
| 25 years | $-8,502 |
Top Solar Installers in Freeport
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Freeport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Freeport, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar companies in Freeport have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Freeport is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Freeport are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $13,538 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,367 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,355 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,502 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,807 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,270 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,892 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,673 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Freeport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Freeport?
The average cost of solar panels in Freeport is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Freeport?
A solar panel system isn't free in Freeport, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.