Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brewer, ME (2024 Update)
- Brewer Solar Installation Cost: $14,992
- 25-Year Savings: $13,013
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brewer
We go over average solar pricing in Brewer.
The average cost of a solar system in Brewer is 4 per watt.Because a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Brewer, the average price of going solar will be about $14,992 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brewer homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brewer find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Brewer that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brewer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,961 |
| 3 years | $-11,900 |
| 5 years | $-9,839 |
| 7 years | $-7,778 |
| 9 years | $-5,716 |
| 11 years | $-3,655 |
| 13 years | $-1,594 |
| 15 years | $467 |
| 17 years | $2,529 |
| 19 years | $4,590 |
| 21 years | $6,651 |
| 23 years | $8,712 |
| 25 years | $10,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Brewer
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Brewer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brewer
The cost of installing a solar system in Brewer can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brewer have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Brewer, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,141 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,614 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,299 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,197 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,308 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,632 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,169 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $37,918 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Brewer, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brewer?
The average cost of solar panels in Brewer 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brewer?
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 don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brewer is currently $274,158, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,240 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brewer is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 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.