Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, ME (2024 Update)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $14,215
- 25-Year Savings: $12,048
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rockland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover 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 around $14,215, or $20,327 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rockland based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rockland can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,077 |
| 3 years | $-10,801 |
| 5 years | $-8,524 |
| 7 years | $-6,248 |
| 9 years | $-3,971 |
| 11 years | $-1,695 |
| 13 years | $582 |
| 15 years | $2,858 |
| 17 years | $5,135 |
| 19 years | $7,411 |
| 21 years | $9,688 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $14,241 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
For many Rockland homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rockland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $8,815 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,178 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,755 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,544 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,547 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,762 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $32,189 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,830 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Rockland, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rockland?
Solar panels aren’t free in Rockland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rockland is currently $331,997, so you could be looking at a value of about $13,612 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rockland is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.