Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, ME (2023 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $10,796
- 25-Year Savings: $11,839
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sidney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sidney typically cost about 2.83. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sidney, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,796, or $15,438 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Sidney based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sidney see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,891 |
| 3 years | $-8,080 |
| 5 years | $-6,269 |
| 7 years | $-4,459 |
| 9 years | $-2,648 |
| 11 years | $-837 |
| 13 years | $974 |
| 15 years | $2,785 |
| 17 years | $4,595 |
| 19 years | $6,406 |
| 21 years | $8,217 |
| 23 years | $10,028 |
| 25 years | $11,839 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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 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
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 about $2,830 per kilowatt in Sidney. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sidney homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sidney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,549 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,050 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,708 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,525 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $31,501 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $36,635 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,927 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $47,378 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Sidney?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.