Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orrington, ME (2024 Update)
- Orrington Solar Installation Cost: $14,992
- 25-Year Savings: $12,499
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orrington
We go over average solar pricing in Orrington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orrington it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Orrington is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,992 for a solar installation, or $21,439 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Orrington based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orrington find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orrington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,961 |
| 3 years | $-11,900 |
| 5 years | $-9,839 |
| 7 years | $-7,778 |
| 9 years | $-5,716 |
| 11 years | $-3,655 |
| 13 years | $-1,594 |
| 15 years | $467 |
| 17 years | $2,529 |
| 19 years | $4,590 |
| 21 years | $6,651 |
| 23 years | $8,712 |
| 25 years | $10,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Orrington
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Orrington, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Orrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orrington
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Orrington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Orrington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Orrington homeowners, they can also add to 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 hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Orrington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,593 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,883 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,386 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,102 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,030 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,172 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $31,526 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,092 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Orrington, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orrington?
The average cost of solar panels in Orrington is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things 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 a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Orrington is currently $311,913, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,788 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Orrington is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Orrington?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.