Solar Panel Cost Guide in Litchfield, ME (2023 Update)
- Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $10,796
- 25-Year Savings: $11,839
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Litchfield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Litchfield.
In Litchfield, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Litchfield is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,796 for a solar installation, or $15,438 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Litchfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Litchfield find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,891 |
| 3 years | $-8,080 |
| 5 years | $-6,269 |
| 7 years | $-4,459 |
| 9 years | $-2,648 |
| 11 years | $-837 |
| 13 years | $974 |
| 15 years | $2,785 |
| 17 years | $4,595 |
| 19 years | $6,406 |
| 21 years | $8,217 |
| 23 years | $10,028 |
| 25 years | $11,839 |
Top Solar Installers in Litchfield
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Litchfield:
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 Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Litchfield
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Litchfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,830 per kilowatt in Litchfield. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Litchfield, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Litchfield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Litchfield, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Litchfield know more 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 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 | $12,549 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,050 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,708 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,525 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $31,501 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $36,635 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,927 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $47,378 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Litchfield, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Litchfield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Litchfield?
You can't get solar panels for free in Litchfield. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Litchfield?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.