Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gorham, ME (2024 Update)
- Gorham Solar Installation Cost: $13,948
- 25-Year Savings: $14,508
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gorham
We break down average solar pricing in Gorham.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gorham it’s 4 per watt.Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gorham, the average price of going solar will be about $13,948 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Gorham can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gorham
| 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 Gorham
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Gorham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gorham
The cost of installing a solar system in Gorham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,800 per kilowatt in Gorham.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gorham average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Gorham, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Gorham have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Gorham, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gorham?
The average cost of solar panels in Gorham is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Gorham?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Gorham, 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Gorham, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Gorham?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.