Solar Panel Cost Guide in Durham, ME (2024 Update)
- Durham Solar Installation Cost: $14,377
- 25-Year Savings: $11,928
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Durham
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Durham.
In Durham, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Durham is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,377 for a solar installation, or $20,559 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Durham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Durham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,239 |
| 3 years | $-10,962 |
| 5 years | $-8,686 |
| 7 years | $-6,409 |
| 9 years | $-4,133 |
| 11 years | $-1,856 |
| 13 years | $420 |
| 15 years | $2,697 |
| 17 years | $4,973 |
| 19 years | $7,250 |
| 21 years | $9,526 |
| 23 years | $11,803 |
| 25 years | $14,079 |
Top Solar Installers in Durham
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Durham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Durham
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Durham: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Durham.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Durham homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Durham homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Durham is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $8,529 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,797 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,279 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,973 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,880 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,000 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $31,332 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $35,878 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Durham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Durham, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Durham?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.