Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kennebunk, ME (2023 Update)
- Kennebunk Solar Installation Cost: $10,222
- 25-Year Savings: $13,299
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kennebunk
We break down average solar pricing in Kennebunk.
In Kennebunk, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average Kennebunk homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,222 with the federal tax credit, or $14,617 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kennebunk homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Kennebunk can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kennebunk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,281 |
| 3 years | $-7,399 |
| 5 years | $-5,518 |
| 7 years | $-3,636 |
| 9 years | $-1,754 |
| 11 years | $127 |
| 13 years | $2,009 |
| 15 years | $3,891 |
| 17 years | $5,772 |
| 19 years | $7,654 |
| 21 years | $9,536 |
| 23 years | $11,418 |
| 25 years | $13,299 |
Top Solar Installers in Kennebunk
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Kennebunk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kennebunk
For many Kennebunk homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kennebunk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Kennebunk, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kennebunk provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kennebunk is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Kennebunk have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,967 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $20,273 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $25,737 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $31,360 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $37,141 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $43,081 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $49,180 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $55,436 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to look over 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 installation process.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kennebunk?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kennebunk?
Solar panels aren't free in Kennebunk, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kennebunk?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.