Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lewiston, ME (2023 Update)
- Lewiston Solar Installation Cost: $10,697
- 25-Year Savings: $11,938
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lewiston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Lewiston.
In Lewiston, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lewiston, the average price of going solar will be about $10,697 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Lewiston homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lewiston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,792 |
| 3 years | $-7,981 |
| 5 years | $-6,170 |
| 7 years | $-4,360 |
| 9 years | $-2,549 |
| 11 years | $-738 |
| 13 years | $1,073 |
| 15 years | $2,884 |
| 17 years | $4,694 |
| 19 years | $6,505 |
| 21 years | $8,316 |
| 23 years | $10,127 |
| 25 years | $11,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Lewiston
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lewiston, 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 Lewiston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lewiston
While the average cost of a solar system in Lewiston is $10,697, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,830 per kilowatt in Lewiston. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lewiston offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lewiston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $12,766 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,338 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,069 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,958 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $32,006 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $37,212 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $42,576 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $48,100 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Lewiston, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lewiston?
The average cost of solar panels in Lewiston 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Lewiston?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.