Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kennebunk, ME (2024 Update)
- Kennebunk Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
- 25-Year Savings: $13,291
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kennebunk
We go over average solar pricing in Kennebunk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kennebunk it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kennebunk is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,737 for a solar installation, or $19,644 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Kennebunk homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity 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 Kennebunk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,598 |
| 3 years | $-10,322 |
| 5 years | $-8,045 |
| 7 years | $-5,769 |
| 9 years | $-3,492 |
| 11 years | $-1,216 |
| 13 years | $1,061 |
| 15 years | $3,337 |
| 17 years | $5,614 |
| 19 years | $7,890 |
| 21 years | $10,167 |
| 23 years | $12,443 |
| 25 years | $14,720 |
Top Solar Installers in Kennebunk
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Kennebunk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kennebunk
The cost of installing a solar system in Kennebunk 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 home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kennebunk average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Kennebunk, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 decide on the company that has 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $10,730 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,732 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,947 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,375 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $28,016 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,869 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,935 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $43,214 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Kennebunk, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Kennebunk, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kennebunk?
The average cost of solar panels in Kennebunk 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kennebunk?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Kennebunk. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kennebunk?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.