Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jay, ME (2023 Update)
- Jay Solar Installation Cost: $11,137
- 25-Year Savings: $11,498
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jay
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Jay.
The average cost of a solar system in Jay is 2.83 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $11,133 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Jay, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,062 |
| 3 years | $-10,911 |
| 5 years | $-10,760 |
| 7 years | $-10,609 |
| 9 years | $-10,458 |
| 11 years | $-10,307 |
| 13 years | $-10,156 |
| 15 years | $-10,006 |
| 17 years | $-9,855 |
| 19 years | $-9,704 |
| 21 years | $-9,553 |
| 23 years | $-9,402 |
| 25 years | $-9,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Jay
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Jay, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Jay, we've put together 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 Jay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jay
There are a number of criteria that can influence your 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Jay, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Jay provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Jay homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Jay's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $11,795 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $16,044 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $20,451 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $25,016 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $29,741 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $34,623 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $39,664 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $44,864 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Jay, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jay?
The average cost of solar panels in Jay is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Jay?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.