Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, ME (2023 Update)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $10,579
- 25-Year Savings: $12,056
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rockland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockland it's 2.83 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Rockland, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,579, or $15,128 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rockland homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Rockland homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rockland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,673 |
| 3 years | $-7,862 |
| 5 years | $-6,052 |
| 7 years | $-4,241 |
| 9 years | $-2,430 |
| 11 years | $-619 |
| 13 years | $1,192 |
| 15 years | $3,002 |
| 17 years | $4,813 |
| 19 years | $6,624 |
| 21 years | $8,435 |
| 23 years | $10,246 |
| 25 years | $12,056 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels 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 Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
Cost is usually 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 Rockland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,830 per kilowatt in Rockland. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rockland, where sunlight isn't as 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockland to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Rockland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $13,052 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,719 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,545 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $27,529 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $32,672 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $37,974 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $43,434 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $49,052 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence 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 take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Rockland, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockland?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockland 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Rockland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rockland. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rockland?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.