Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, ME (2024 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $14,502
- 25-Year Savings: $11,835
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Sidney.
In Sidney, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $14,502 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Sidney homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,364 |
| 3 years | $-11,087 |
| 5 years | $-8,811 |
| 7 years | $-6,534 |
| 9 years | $-4,258 |
| 11 years | $-1,981 |
| 13 years | $295 |
| 15 years | $2,572 |
| 17 years | $4,848 |
| 19 years | $7,125 |
| 21 years | $9,401 |
| 23 years | $11,678 |
| 25 years | $13,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sidney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney
Although the average cost of a solar system in Sidney is $14,502, your final cost may differ. There are several 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sidney, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sidney homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sidney, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $8,312 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,509 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,918 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,540 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,375 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,423 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,683 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,156 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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 previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Sidney, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sidney?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional 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.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Sidney?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.