Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardiner, ME (2023 Update)
- Gardiner Solar Installation Cost: $10,796
- 25-Year Savings: $11,839
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardiner
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gardiner.
In Gardiner, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gardiner, the average price of going solar will be about $10,796 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gardiner homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gardiner find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gardiner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,891 |
| 3 years | $-8,080 |
| 5 years | $-6,269 |
| 7 years | $-4,459 |
| 9 years | $-2,648 |
| 11 years | $-837 |
| 13 years | $974 |
| 15 years | $2,785 |
| 17 years | $4,595 |
| 19 years | $6,406 |
| 21 years | $8,217 |
| 23 years | $10,028 |
| 25 years | $11,839 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardiner
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Gardiner, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Gardiner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardiner
The cost of installing a solar system in Gardiner can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gardiner homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower 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 Gardiner is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Gardiner have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $12,549 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,050 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,708 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,525 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $31,501 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $36,635 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,927 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $47,378 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Gardiner, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardiner?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gardiner?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.