Solar Panel Cost Guide in Topsham, ME (2024 Update)
- Topsham Solar Installation Cost: $13,992
- 25-Year Savings: $12,215
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Topsham
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Topsham.
In Topsham, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Topsham homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,992 with the federal tax credit, or $20,009 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Topsham can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Topsham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Topsham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,853 |
| 3 years | $-10,577 |
| 5 years | $-8,300 |
| 7 years | $-6,024 |
| 9 years | $-3,747 |
| 11 years | $-1,471 |
| 13 years | $806 |
| 15 years | $3,082 |
| 17 years | $5,358 |
| 19 years | $7,635 |
| 21 years | $9,911 |
| 23 years | $12,188 |
| 25 years | $14,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Topsham
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Topsham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Topsham
For many Topsham homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Topsham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 $3,800 per kilowatt in Topsham.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Topsham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Topsham provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come with an above-average cost. 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 | $9,221 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,720 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,432 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,357 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,494 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,845 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,408 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,184 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Topsham, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Topsham?
The average cost of solar panels in Topsham is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Topsham?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Topsham. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Topsham?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Topsham?
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 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.