Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jay, ME (2024 Update)

  • Jay Solar Installation Cost: $14,955
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,498
  • Payback Period: 16.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jay

We go over average solar pricing in Jay.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jay typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $14,955 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Jay for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Jay

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,816
3 years $-11,540
5 years $-9,263
7 years $-6,987
9 years $-4,710
11 years $-2,434
13 years $-157
15 years $2,119
17 years $4,396
19 years $6,672
21 years $8,948
23 years $11,225
25 years $13,501

Top Solar Installers in Jay

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Jay

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jay

Though the average cost of a solar system in Jay is $14,955, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,800. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Jay’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 $7,558 17.2 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $10,503 16.8 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $13,661 16.5 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $17,031 16.2 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $20,615 15.9 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $24,411 15.5 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $28,420 15.2 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $32,642 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Jay, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Jay, ME Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jay?

The average cost of solar panels in Jay is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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