Solar Panel Cost Guide in Skowhegan, ME (2024 Update)
- Skowhegan Solar Installation Cost: $15,117
- 25-Year Savings: $11,377
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Skowhegan
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Skowhegan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Skowhegan, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Skowhegan, the average price of going solar will be about $15,117 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Skowhegan homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Skowhegan homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Skowhegan
| 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 Skowhegan
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer 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 Skowhegan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Skowhegan
Though the average cost of a solar system in Skowhegan is $15,117, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Skowhegan average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Skowhegan to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Skowhegan homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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.
- 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 panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-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 Skowhegan, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Skowhegan?
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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Skowhegan?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Skowhegan?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.