Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winterport, ME (2024 Update)
- Winterport Solar Installation Cost: $14,515
- 25-Year Savings: $12,855
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winterport
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Winterport.
In Winterport, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Winterport, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,515, or $20,756 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winterport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,484 |
| 3 years | $-11,423 |
| 5 years | $-9,361 |
| 7 years | $-7,300 |
| 9 years | $-5,239 |
| 11 years | $-3,178 |
| 13 years | $-1,116 |
| 15 years | $945 |
| 17 years | $3,006 |
| 19 years | $5,067 |
| 21 years | $7,129 |
| 23 years | $9,190 |
| 25 years | $11,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Winterport
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar company in Winterport, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Winterport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winterport
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 around $3,800 per kilowatt in Winterport.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Winterport average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Winterport to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,422 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,988 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,767 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,759 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,964 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,381 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $34,012 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,855 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Winterport, ME Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winterport?
The average cost of solar panels in Winterport is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.