Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dexter, ME (2024 Update)
- Dexter Solar Installation Cost: $14,992
- 25-Year Savings: $12,499
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dexter
We go over average solar pricing in Dexter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dexter it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Dexter is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,992 for a solar installation, or $21,439 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Dexter based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Dexter homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dexter
| 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 Dexter
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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 Dexter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dexter
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dexter is $14,992, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dexter, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,593 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,883 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,386 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,102 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,030 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,172 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $31,526 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,092 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Dexter, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dexter?
The average cost of solar panels in Dexter 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dexter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power 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 $839.72 per year.
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 higher 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.