Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellsworth, ME (2024 Update)
- Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ellsworth.
In Ellsworth, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Ellsworth homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,595 with the federal tax credit, or $20,871 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Ellsworth homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Ellsworth, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ellsworth
| 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 Ellsworth
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Ellsworth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellsworth
For many Ellsworth homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ellsworth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ellsworth to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 specials 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over 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 part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Ellsworth, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ellsworth?
The average cost of solar panels in Ellsworth is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ellsworth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.