Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Berwick, ME (2023 Update)

  • South Berwick Solar Installation Cost: $10,230
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,405
  • Payback Period: 11.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 South Berwick

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in South Berwick.

In South Berwick, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in South Berwick is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,222 for a solar installation, or $14,617 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Berwick homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

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 South Berwick

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,092
3 years $-6,815
5 years $-4,539
7 years $-2,262
9 years $14
11 years $2,291
13 years $4,567
15 years $6,844
17 years $9,120
19 years $11,397
21 years $13,673
23 years $15,950
25 years $18,226

Top Solar Installers in South Berwick

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 South Berwick

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Berwick

Though the average cost of a solar system in South Berwick is $10,222, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,830 per kilowatt in South Berwick. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in South Berwick, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in South Berwick, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better 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 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 $13,937 11.8 years
8 kW $2.89 $16,165 $18,900 11.5 years
10 kW $2.83 $19,810 $24,021 11.3 years
12 kW $2.77 $23,297 $29,301 11.1 years
14 kW $2.72 $26,625 $34,739 10.8 years
16 kW $2.66 $29,794 $40,335 10.6 years
18 kW $2.60 $32,805 $46,091 10.4 years
20 kW $2.55 $35,658 $52,004 10.2 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 South Berwick, ME Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Berwick?

The average cost of solar panels in South Berwick is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in South Berwick?

Solar panels aren't free in South Berwick, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South Berwick, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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