Solar Panel Cost Guide in Standish, ME (2024 Update)

  • Standish Solar Installation Cost: $13,948
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,247
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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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 Standish

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Standish.

In Standish, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Standish, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,948, or $19,946 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Standish, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Standish

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-12,810
3 years$-10,534
5 years$-8,257
7 years$-5,981
9 years$-3,704
11 years$-1,428
13 years$849
15 years$3,125
17 years$5,402
19 years$7,678
21 years$9,955
23 years$12,231
25 years$14,508

Top Solar Installers in Standish

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Standish

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Standish

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Standish: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Standish, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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 financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Standish, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Standish is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.95$16,598$9,30116.0 years
8 kW$3.88$21,706$12,82715.7 years
10 kW$3.80$26,600$16,56515.4 years
12 kW$3.72$31,282$20,51715.1 years
14 kW$3.65$35,750$24,68114.8 years
16 kW$3.57$40,006$29,05814.5 years
18 kW$3.50$44,050$33,64814.2 years
20 kW$3.42$47,880$38,45113.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • 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 previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.

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 Standish, ME Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Standish?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Standish?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

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

How long do solar panels last in Standish?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.