Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, ME (2024 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $14,215
- 25-Year Savings: $12,048
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
See how much it might cost to go solar in Warren.
In Warren, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Warren is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,215 for a solar installation, or $20,327 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Warren based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Warren homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Warren for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,077 |
| 3 years | $-10,801 |
| 5 years | $-8,524 |
| 7 years | $-6,248 |
| 9 years | $-3,971 |
| 11 years | $-1,695 |
| 13 years | $582 |
| 15 years | $2,858 |
| 17 years | $5,135 |
| 19 years | $7,411 |
| 21 years | $9,688 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $14,241 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
For many Warren homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Warren, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Warren, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Warren provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Warren homeowners, they can also add to 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Warren’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $8,815 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,178 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,755 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,544 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,547 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,762 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $32,189 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,830 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Warren, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Warren?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Warren?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Warren?
Although 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.