Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westbrook, ME (2025 Update)
- Westbrook Solar Installation Cost: $13,948
- 25-Year Savings: $14,508
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westbrook
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Westbrook.
In Westbrook, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Westbrook, the average price of going solar will be about $13,948 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Westbrook can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westbrook
Year | Return 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 Westbrook
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Westbrook:
See all of the solar companies in Westbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westbrook
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Westbrook: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westbrook to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Westbrook’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,301 | 16.0 years |
8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,827 | 15.7 years |
10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,565 | 15.4 years |
12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,517 | 15.1 years |
14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,681 | 14.8 years |
16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,058 | 14.5 years |
18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,648 | 14.2 years |
20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,451 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover 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 indication of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Westbrook, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westbrook?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.