Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belfast, ME (2025 Update)
- Belfast Solar Installation Cost: $14,515
- 25-Year Savings: $11,825
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belfast
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Belfast.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Belfast typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $14,515 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Belfast can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Belfast that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Belfast
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,376 |
| 3 years | $-11,100 |
| 5 years | $-8,823 |
| 7 years | $-6,547 |
| 9 years | $-4,270 |
| 11 years | $-1,994 |
| 13 years | $283 |
| 15 years | $2,559 |
| 17 years | $4,836 |
| 19 years | $7,112 |
| 21 years | $9,389 |
| 23 years | $11,665 |
| 25 years | $13,942 |
Top Solar Installers in Belfast
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Belfast, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Belfast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belfast
There are a number of criteria 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Belfast.The 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Belfast average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Belfast, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Belfast homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Belfast, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,291 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,480 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,882 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,496 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,324 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,364 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,617 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,083 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Belfast, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belfast?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belfast?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Belfast?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.