Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vassalboro, ME (2024 Update)
- Vassalboro Solar Installation Cost: $14,502
- 25-Year Savings: $11,835
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vassalboro
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vassalboro.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vassalboro typically cost around 4.The average Vassalboro homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,502 with the federal tax credit, or $20,738 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Vassalboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,364 |
| 3 years | $-11,087 |
| 5 years | $-8,811 |
| 7 years | $-6,534 |
| 9 years | $-4,258 |
| 11 years | $-1,981 |
| 13 years | $295 |
| 15 years | $2,572 |
| 17 years | $4,848 |
| 19 years | $7,125 |
| 21 years | $9,401 |
| 23 years | $11,678 |
| 25 years | $13,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Vassalboro
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Vassalboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vassalboro
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Vassalboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Vassalboro.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Vassalboro 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 decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Vassalboro, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $8,312 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,509 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,918 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,540 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,375 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,423 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,683 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,156 | 14.4 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Vassalboro, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vassalboro?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places 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.
Does Vassalboro have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Vassalboro?
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.