Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Gardiner, ME (2023 Update)
- West Gardiner Solar Installation Cost: $10,796
- 25-Year Savings: $11,839
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Gardiner
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Gardiner.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Gardiner generally cost about 2.83. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Gardiner, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,796, or $15,438 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in West Gardiner depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Gardiner see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Gardiner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,891 |
| 3 years | $-8,080 |
| 5 years | $-6,269 |
| 7 years | $-4,459 |
| 9 years | $-2,648 |
| 11 years | $-837 |
| 13 years | $974 |
| 15 years | $2,785 |
| 17 years | $4,595 |
| 19 years | $6,406 |
| 21 years | $8,217 |
| 23 years | $10,028 |
| 25 years | $11,839 |
Top Solar Installers in West Gardiner
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 West Gardiner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Gardiner
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Gardiner average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Gardiner have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. West Gardiner's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,549 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,050 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,708 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,525 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $31,501 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $36,635 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,927 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $47,378 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely 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 part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 West Gardiner, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Gardiner?
The average cost of solar panels in West Gardiner 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $830.36 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.