Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bucksport, ME (2024 Update)
- Bucksport Solar Installation Cost: $14,595
- 25-Year Savings: $12,795
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bucksport
We go over average solar pricing in Bucksport.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bucksport typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bucksport, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,595, or $20,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Bucksport homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Bucksport for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bucksport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,564 |
| 3 years | $-11,503 |
| 5 years | $-9,442 |
| 7 years | $-7,380 |
| 9 years | $-5,319 |
| 11 years | $-3,258 |
| 13 years | $-1,197 |
| 15 years | $865 |
| 17 years | $2,926 |
| 19 years | $4,987 |
| 21 years | $7,048 |
| 23 years | $9,110 |
| 25 years | $11,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Bucksport
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bucksport:
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 Bucksport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bucksport
For many Bucksport homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bucksport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,800. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, 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.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bucksport, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,279 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,798 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,529 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,473 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,630 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,000 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,582 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,378 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Bucksport, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bucksport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. 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 Bucksport?
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 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 solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $862.58 per year.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.