Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsfield, ME (2023 Update)
- Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,258
- 25-Year Savings: $11,377
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pittsfield.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pittsfield typically cost about 2.83. Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $11,252 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsfield find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,183 |
| 3 years | $-11,032 |
| 5 years | $-10,881 |
| 7 years | $-10,730 |
| 9 years | $-10,579 |
| 11 years | $-10,428 |
| 13 years | $-10,277 |
| 15 years | $-10,126 |
| 17 years | $-9,975 |
| 19 years | $-9,825 |
| 21 years | $-9,674 |
| 23 years | $-9,523 |
| 25 years | $-9,372 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
For many Pittsfield homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pittsfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Pittsfield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Pittsfield is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Pittsfield are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 help you save 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 | $11,536 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $15,698 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $20,019 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $24,498 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $29,135 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $33,932 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $38,886 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $43,999 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Pittsfield, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Pittsfield?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.