Solar Panel Cost Guide in Raymond, ME (Mar 2023)

  • Raymond Solar Installation Cost: $10,380
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,255
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Raymond

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Raymond.

The average cost of solar panels in Raymond is 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Raymond is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,380 for a solar installation, or $14,843 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Raymond depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Raymond homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Raymond, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Raymond

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,475
3 years $-7,664
5 years $-5,853
7 years $-4,043
9 years $-2,232
11 years $-421
13 years $1,390
15 years $3,201
17 years $5,011
19 years $6,822
21 years $8,633
23 years $10,444
25 years $12,255

Top Solar Installers in Raymond

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Raymond:

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Raymond

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Raymond

While the average cost of a solar system in Raymond is $10,380, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 Raymond. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Raymond average.

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 Raymond homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Raymond, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $13,538 11.9 years
8 kW $2.89 $16,165 $18,367 11.7 years
10 kW $2.83 $19,810 $23,355 11.5 years
12 kW $2.77 $23,297 $28,502 11.2 years
14 kW $2.72 $26,625 $33,807 11.0 years
16 kW $2.66 $29,794 $39,270 10.8 years
18 kW $2.60 $32,805 $44,892 10.6 years
20 kW $2.55 $35,658 $50,673 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Raymond, ME Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Raymond?

The average cost of solar panels in Raymond 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Raymond?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

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

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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.

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