Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Berwick, ME (2024 Update)
- South Berwick Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
- 25-Year Savings: $12,405
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Berwick
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in South Berwick.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Berwick typically cost about 4.The average South Berwick homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,737 with the federal tax credit, or $19,644 before the 0 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 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 most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average South Berwick homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Berwick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,598 |
| 3 years | $-10,322 |
| 5 years | $-8,045 |
| 7 years | $-5,769 |
| 9 years | $-3,492 |
| 11 years | $-1,216 |
| 13 years | $1,061 |
| 15 years | $3,337 |
| 17 years | $5,614 |
| 19 years | $7,890 |
| 21 years | $10,167 |
| 23 years | $12,443 |
| 25 years | $14,720 |
Top Solar Installers in South Berwick
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 South Berwick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Berwick
There are a number of criteria that can play into your 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
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Berwick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Berwick to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in South Berwick, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,700 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,359 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,231 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,316 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,613 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,123 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $34,846 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $39,782 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in South Berwick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 South Berwick, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Berwick?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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 reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will 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 South Berwick is currently $471,885, so you can look forward to a value of about $19,347 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Berwick is a fruitful investment.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.