Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westbrook, ME (2023 Update)
- Westbrook Solar Installation Cost: $10,388
- 25-Year Savings: $12,247
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westbrook
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Westbrook.
In Westbrook, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Westbrook is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,380 for a solar installation, or $14,843 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westbrook find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Westbrook that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,312 |
| 3 years | $-10,162 |
| 5 years | $-10,011 |
| 7 years | $-9,860 |
| 9 years | $-9,709 |
| 11 years | $-9,558 |
| 13 years | $-9,407 |
| 15 years | $-9,256 |
| 17 years | $-9,105 |
| 19 years | $-8,954 |
| 21 years | $-8,803 |
| 23 years | $-8,653 |
| 25 years | $-8,502 |
Top Solar Installers in Westbrook
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Westbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westbrook
For many Westbrook homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westbrook, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Westbrook, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Westbrook, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Westbrook, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $13,538 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,367 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,355 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,502 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,807 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,270 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,892 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,673 | 10.3 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Westbrook, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Westbrook 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Westbrook is currently $232,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,549 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Westbrook is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Westbrook?
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 after having 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.