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

  • Kennebunkport Solar Installation Cost: $13,737
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,291
  • Payback Period: 14.6 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 Kennebunkport

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kennebunkport.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Kennebunkport is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kennebunkport is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,737 for a solar installation, or $19,644 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kennebunkport find going solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Kennebunkport

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,598
3 years $-10,322
5 years $-8,045
7 years $-5,769
9 years $-3,492
11 years $-1,216
13 years $1,061
15 years $3,337
17 years $5,614
19 years $7,890
21 years $10,167
23 years $12,443
25 years $14,720

Top Solar Installers in Kennebunkport

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Kennebunkport

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kennebunkport

While the average cost of a solar system in Kennebunkport is $13,737, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Kennebunkport.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kennebunkport, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Kennebunkport offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kennebunkport is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

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 $10,730 15.2 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $14,732 14.9 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $18,947 14.6 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $23,375 14.3 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $28,016 14.0 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $32,869 13.7 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $37,935 13.4 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $43,214 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects 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:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.

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 Kennebunkport, ME Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kennebunkport?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Kennebunkport?

Solar panels aren’t free in Kennebunkport, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $910.94 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 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.

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