Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, ME (2024 Update)
- York Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
- 25-Year Savings: $12,405
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in York
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in York.
The average cost of solar panels in York is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $13,737 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in York based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in York can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in York for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,598 |
| 3 years | $-10,322 |
| 5 years | $-8,045 |
| 7 years | $-5,769 |
| 9 years | $-3,492 |
| 11 years | $-1,216 |
| 13 years | $1,061 |
| 15 years | $3,337 |
| 17 years | $5,614 |
| 19 years | $7,890 |
| 21 years | $10,167 |
| 23 years | $12,443 |
| 25 years | $14,720 |
Top Solar Installers in York
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
There are several factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in York, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in York, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points 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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $9,700 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,359 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,231 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,316 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,613 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,123 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $34,846 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $39,782 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 York, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in York?
The average cost of solar panels in York is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in York?
Solar panels aren’t free in York, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in York, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.