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

  • Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $15,117
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,377
  • Payback Period: 16.7 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Pittsfield

We go over average solar pricing in Pittsfield.

In Pittsfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Pittsfield is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,117 for a solar installation, or $21,617 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pittsfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsfield find going solar has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Pittsfield for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Pittsfield

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,979
3 years $-11,702
5 years $-9,426
7 years $-7,149
9 years $-4,873
11 years $-2,596
13 years $-320
15 years $1,957
17 years $4,233
19 years $6,510
21 years $8,786
23 years $11,063
25 years $13,339

Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Pittsfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield

Although the average cost of a solar system in Pittsfield is $15,117, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pittsfield, where sunlight isn’t as 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 $7,299 17.4 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $10,157 17.0 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $13,229 16.7 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $16,513 16.4 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $20,010 16.0 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $23,719 15.7 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $27,642 15.4 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $31,777 15.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Pittsfield, ME Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pittsfield?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pittsfield, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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