Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harpswell, ME (2024 Update)
- Harpswell Solar Installation Cost: $13,948
- 25-Year Savings: $12,247
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harpswell
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harpswell.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harpswell typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Harpswell is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,948 for a solar installation, or $19,946 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Harpswell see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Harpswell
| 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 Harpswell
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Harpswell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harpswell to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Harpswell is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Harpswell have a net metering program?
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 energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.