Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harpswell, ME (2023 Update)
- Harpswell 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 Harpswell
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Harpswell.
In Harpswell, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Harpswell, 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.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Harpswell depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Harpswell homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harpswell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,250 |
| 3 years | $-6,973 |
| 5 years | $-4,697 |
| 7 years | $-2,420 |
| 9 years | $-144 |
| 11 years | $2,133 |
| 13 years | $4,409 |
| 15 years | $6,686 |
| 17 years | $8,962 |
| 19 years | $11,239 |
| 21 years | $13,515 |
| 23 years | $15,792 |
| 25 years | $18,068 |
Top Solar Installers in Harpswell
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Harpswell:
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 Harpswell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harpswell
The cost of installing a solar system in Harpswell can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Harpswell, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Harpswell homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for 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 factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Harpswell is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 many companies to choose from in Harpswell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Harpswell, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harpswell?
The average cost of solar panels in Harpswell is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harpswell?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.