Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Berwick, ME (2023 Update)

  • North Berwick Solar Installation Cost: $10,222
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,413
  • Payback Period: 11.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Berwick

We go over average solar pricing in North Berwick.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Berwick, the average cost of a solar system is 2.83 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in North Berwick, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,222, or $14,617 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average North Berwick homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in North Berwick for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in North Berwick

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 North Berwick

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 North Berwick

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Berwick

There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in North Berwick, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Berwick, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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 energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many North Berwick homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in North Berwick, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 North Berwick, ME Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Berwick?

The average cost of solar panels in North Berwick is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Berwick?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in North Berwick?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

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