Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fryeburg, ME (2023 Update)
- Fryeburg Solar Installation Cost: $10,915
- 25-Year Savings: $11,720
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fryeburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fryeburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fryeburg it's 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fryeburg is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,915 for a solar installation, or $15,608 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Fryeburg based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Fryeburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fryeburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,010 |
| 3 years | $-8,199 |
| 5 years | $-6,388 |
| 7 years | $-4,578 |
| 9 years | $-2,767 |
| 11 years | $-956 |
| 13 years | $855 |
| 15 years | $2,666 |
| 17 years | $4,476 |
| 19 years | $6,287 |
| 21 years | $8,098 |
| 23 years | $9,909 |
| 25 years | $11,720 |
Top Solar Installers in Fryeburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Fryeburg, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fryeburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fryeburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fryeburg is $10,915, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,830. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fryeburg, where sunlight isn't as 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fryeburg, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $12,300 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $16,717 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,292 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,026 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $30,919 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $35,969 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,179 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $46,547 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fryeburg, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fryeburg?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fryeburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fryeburg. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fryeburg?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.