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

  • Topsham Solar Installation Cost: $13,992
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,215
  • Payback Period: 15.5 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 Topsham

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

The average cost of solar panels in Topsham is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Topsham is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,992 for a solar installation, or $20,009 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Topsham depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Topsham homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Topsham

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,853
3 years $-10,577
5 years $-8,300
7 years $-6,024
9 years $-3,747
11 years $-1,471
13 years $806
15 years $3,082
17 years $5,358
19 years $7,635
21 years $9,911
23 years $12,188
25 years $14,464

Top Solar Installers in Topsham

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

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 Topsham

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Topsham

There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,800 per kilowatt in Topsham.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Topsham to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Topsham homeowners, they can also increase 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 company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Topsham, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Topsham know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $9,221 16.1 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $12,720 15.8 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $16,432 15.5 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $20,357 15.1 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $24,494 14.8 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $28,845 14.5 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $33,408 14.2 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $38,184 13.9 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Topsham, ME Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Topsham?

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

Does Topsham have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.

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