Solar Panel Cost Guide in Biddeford, ME (2024 Update)

  • Biddeford Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,720
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Biddeford

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Biddeford.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Biddeford, the average cost of solar panels 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.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Biddeford based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Biddeford find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Biddeford, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Biddeford

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 Biddeford

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Biddeford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Biddeford

The cost of installing a solar system in Biddeford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Biddeford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 extra 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 an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Biddeford 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Biddeford, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Biddeford have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types 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 take into account, including:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Biddeford, ME Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Biddeford?

The average cost of solar panels in Biddeford is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Biddeford?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Biddeford, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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