Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, ME (2023 Update)
- York Solar Installation Cost: $10,230
- 25-Year Savings: $12,405
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in York
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in York.
In York, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in York, the average price of going solar will be about $10,222 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in York can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,092 |
| 3 years | $-6,815 |
| 5 years | $-4,539 |
| 7 years | $-2,262 |
| 9 years | $14 |
| 11 years | $2,291 |
| 13 years | $4,567 |
| 15 years | $6,844 |
| 17 years | $9,120 |
| 19 years | $11,397 |
| 21 years | $13,673 |
| 23 years | $15,950 |
| 25 years | $18,226 |
Top Solar Installers in York
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional 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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
The cost of installing a solar system in York can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,830 per kilowatt in York. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the York average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in York to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. 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 possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $13,937 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,900 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $24,021 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $29,301 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $34,739 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $40,335 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $46,091 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $52,004 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in York, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 York, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in York?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in York?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in York is currently $410,429, which means you can expect a value of about $16,828 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in York is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.