Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kittery, ME (2024 Update)
- Kittery Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
- 25-Year Savings: $12,405
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kittery
We go over average solar pricing in Kittery.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kittery, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Kittery homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,737 with the federal tax credit, or $19,644 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kittery homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Kittery homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Kittery for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kittery
| 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 Kittery
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Kittery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kittery
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kittery to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Kittery homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Kittery, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 want 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 | $9,700 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,359 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,231 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,316 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,613 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,123 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $34,846 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $39,782 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects 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: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Kittery, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kittery?
The average cost of solar panels in Kittery is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Kittery?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 household 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.