Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kittery, ME (2023 Update)
- Kittery Solar Installation Cost: $10,222
- 25-Year Savings: $12,413
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kittery
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Kittery.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kittery it's 2.83 per watt. The average Kittery 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Kittery can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kittery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,317 |
| 3 years | $-7,506 |
| 5 years | $-5,695 |
| 7 years | $-3,884 |
| 9 years | $-2,073 |
| 11 years | $-263 |
| 13 years | $1,548 |
| 15 years | $3,359 |
| 17 years | $5,170 |
| 19 years | $6,981 |
| 21 years | $8,791 |
| 23 years | $10,602 |
| 25 years | $12,413 |
Top Solar Installers in Kittery
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Kittery:
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 Kittery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kittery
The cost of installing a solar system in Kittery can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,830. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 more 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Kittery, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Kittery's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kittery are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $13,937 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,900 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $24,021 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $29,301 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $34,739 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $40,335 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $46,091 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $52,004 | 10.2 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean 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 research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Kittery, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kittery?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. 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. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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.