Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardiner, ME (2024 Update)

  • Gardiner Solar Installation Cost: $14,502
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,835
  • Payback Period: 16.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardiner

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gardiner.

The average cost of solar panels in Gardiner is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $14,502 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gardiner depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Gardiner for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Gardiner

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,364
3 years $-11,087
5 years $-8,811
7 years $-6,534
9 years $-4,258
11 years $-1,981
13 years $295
15 years $2,572
17 years $4,848
19 years $7,125
21 years $9,401
23 years $11,678
25 years $13,954

Top Solar Installers in Gardiner

Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Gardiner, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Gardiner, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Gardiner

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardiner

The cost of installing a solar system in Gardiner can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,800. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gardiner, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gardiner homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardiner is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Gardiner know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $8,312 16.7 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $11,509 16.3 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $14,918 16.0 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $18,540 15.7 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $22,375 15.4 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $26,423 15.1 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $30,683 14.7 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $35,156 14.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers 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: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Gardiner, ME Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardiner?

The average cost of solar panels in Gardiner 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 use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Gardiner?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Gardiner. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gardiner is currently $279,424, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,456 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gardiner is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Gardiner?

Though 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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.

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