Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winterport, ME (2024 Update)
- Winterport Solar Installation Cost: $14,515
- 25-Year Savings: $12,855
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winterport
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Winterport.
In Winterport, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Winterport, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,515, or $20,756 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Winterport that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winterport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,484 |
| 3 years | $-11,423 |
| 5 years | $-9,361 |
| 7 years | $-7,300 |
| 9 years | $-5,239 |
| 11 years | $-3,178 |
| 13 years | $-1,116 |
| 15 years | $945 |
| 17 years | $3,006 |
| 19 years | $5,067 |
| 21 years | $7,129 |
| 23 years | $9,190 |
| 25 years | $11,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Winterport
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Winterport, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Winterport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winterport
For many Winterport homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Winterport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Winterport to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Winterport, 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $9,422 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,988 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,767 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,759 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,964 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,381 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $34,012 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,855 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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 consider, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Winterport, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winterport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.