Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windham, ME (2023 Update)
- Windham Solar Installation Cost: $10,380
- 25-Year Savings: $12,255
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windham
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Windham.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Windham it's 2.83 per watt. The average Windham homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,380 with the federal tax credit, or $14,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Windham homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Windham homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,475 |
| 3 years | $-7,664 |
| 5 years | $-5,853 |
| 7 years | $-4,043 |
| 9 years | $-2,232 |
| 11 years | $-421 |
| 13 years | $1,390 |
| 15 years | $3,201 |
| 17 years | $5,011 |
| 19 years | $6,822 |
| 21 years | $8,633 |
| 23 years | $10,444 |
| 25 years | $12,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Windham
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Windham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windham
Though the average cost of a solar system in Windham is $10,380, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Windham, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Windham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Windham homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Windham homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Windham is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Windham, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windham?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Windham?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct 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?
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 account for 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.