Solar Panels Cost $2.7k-$13k in Kennebec County, ME | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Kennebec County, ME in 2024?
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In Kennebec County, ME in November, 2024 you'll pay about $3.91 per watt to have solar panels.
Each 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will cost you $3,910 for installation. In Kennebec County, a 5 kW solar panel install sets you back, on average, $13,685 after the 30% federal income tax credit. A 5kW system may not be big enough to fully meet your energy demands.
Select your county from the menu on the left to find the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Below, you can see a comprehensive outline of the costs, payback period, and 20-year typical savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Kennebec County: $13,685US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kennebec County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Kennebec County: $15,812US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Kennebec County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Kennebec County.
Roof size 411sq. ft.
Capacity 5.75kW DC
Electricity 6.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Kennebec County, ME & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Kennebec County, the monthly kWh usage for energy consumers averages 530 kWh, with an average electric bill of 147.34. It’s worth remembering that this figure encompasses apartments and other smaller living spaces that generally have less energy use.
Kennebec County, ME's electricity rate is on average 27.81¢ per kWh in November 2024.
Upfront, a 5 kW solar panel system is priced at around $19,550, after a 30% federal tax credit, the final cost is $13,685.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Kennebec County
On the left, you will find a price breakdown for different solar panel system sizes set up in Kennebec County. The investment for a larger solar panel setup is higher, but it also offers more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator down and to the right analyzes costs and benefits, considering an average $147.34 electric bill in Kennebec County For results that are customized, modify the $147.34 to match your average electricity bill.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $379 a year
Est. Price
$2,737
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,354 kWh
Est. monthly savings $32
Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.34 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 15 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 832 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $758 a year
Est. Price
$5,474
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,708 kWh
Est. monthly savings $63
Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.67 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 31 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,664 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,137 a year
Est. Price
$8,211
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,062 kWh
Est. monthly savings $95
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 46 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,496 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,517 a year
Est. Price
$10,948
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,417 kWh
Est. monthly savings $126
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.34 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 62 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,328 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,896 a year
Est. Price
$13,685
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,771 kWh
Est. monthly savings $147
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.56 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 72 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,870 mi less a year
Kennebec County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant can fund anywhere from 80% to 100% of the expenses associated with setting up solar energy or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farmlands. Confirm if you are eligible by trying our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to most people, which makes solar a feasible option in many states. In conjunction with federal efforts, state and local programs help to promote the use of solar power.
In Maine, 6 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from different utilities and government agencies.
Solar incentives in MEIncentive Description Value
Solar and Wind Energy Property Tax Exemption
Value:Varies
Solar photovoltaic equipment and wind turbines in Maine are exempt from state property taxes. The only conditions are that the generated energy must be used on-site and that the panels/turbines are interconnected to the state's power grid under a net metering contract. Additional information is available from the Maine Department of Revenue.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Value:Varies
Maine first adopted a mandatory renewable portfolio standard in 1997. Currently, the standard requires 80% of the state's energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2030, with conventional sources phased out completely by 2050. Eligible technologies to meet the standard include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, CHP, waste burning, and hydroelectric. Compliance with the standard is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) and thermal credit (TREC) system pegging electrical and heat capacity to dollar values. Utilities are responsible for procuring their credit quota from customers through net metering or other purchasing contracts.
Efficiency Maine Trust - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resource Fund
Value:Varies
The Efficiency Maine Trust is a public benefits fund for energy efficiency projects in the state. Unique to many other states, it is supported by voluntary contributions of up to $10 on monthly energy bills. A large portion of the trust supports grant programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency for local governments, nonprofits, and school districts. The trust's administrators produce an annual report for the Maine legislature detailing budget items and spending initiatives. Additional information is available from the trust website.
Maine Green Power Program
Value:Varies
The Maine Green Power (MGP) program was established through a public-private partnership with 3 Degrees Group. MGP allows the state government to directly purchase renewable energy credits; however, these credits may not be used to meet the renewable portfolio standard. Currently, the program funds large-scale renewable energy generation facilities throughout the state, including a major hydroelectric project. Any Central Maine Power or Emera customer may directly purchase power from MGP in blocks. Additional information is available through the MGP website.
Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy
Value:Varies
City and county governments in Maine may offer their own property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs for energy efficiency improvements and equipment. Depending on the specific program, residential and commercial property owners alike have access to an open market of available lenders offering competitive loans and terms. Effectively, funding comes from the government; repayment will therefore take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage. Maine has standardized PACE loan terms. Available principal ranges from $6,500 to $15,000 at 4.99% APR. Loans can be repaid over up to a 15-year period. While single-family homes may receive PACE funding, they also face more regulations and concerns from the FHFA. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cannot take ownership of a mortgage with an active PACE lien, and it is up to the locality to establish loss reserve funds or other safeguards. Interested property owners should consult with their local or county government, as not every jurisdiction offers PACE loans.
Green Power Purchasing
Value:Varies
Any Mainer can opt into the Maine Green Power program to source their energy from local renewable facilities. The program is supported by a surcharge on subscribers' energy bills and pegs consumption to RECs. Governments can purchase RECs through the public-sector arm of the program. Currently, the state government is purchasing RECs from a hydroelectric project to meet a majority of its renewable portfolio standard. Since 2007, 100% of Maine's energy is sourced renewably. Additional information is available through the Maine Green Power website.
Are solar panels worth it in Kennebec County, ME?
For those in Kennebec County looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Kennebec County, ME, the average savings over a 20 period is $21,676.6, with break even typically occurring at 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Kennebec County, ME
Not installing solar panels or any other backup energy system leads to missing the previously noted savings and full dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have shown that full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal.
Every year, customers in Kennebec County face approximately 1.45 outages each year. On average, each outage lasts for 157.59 minutes. Major events like wildfires, aging infrastructure, or vandalism can considerably extend these durations.
See the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Kennebec County.
With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could ease the stress of future power disruptions you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kennebec County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Kennebec County, ME?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt drops as the size of the system expands. Many homeowners find it useful to install a system that can produce enough electricity to replace the entirety of their electric bill. This approach makes the most sense for optimal savings.
Make & Model - Similar to many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment on the market. The installer you choose may have specific brand preferences, so it's important to select a highly rated installer. Buyers who prioritize better models generally enjoy a better long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - It's not surprising that monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Most installation experts use panels made from this material.
Your Property - Trees, irregular terrain, or additional challenges can increase the difficulty of the installation. Many solar installers today are able to leverage satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these aspects in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Differences in employee wages across companies lead to expenses that are transferred to the consumers. Businesses that pay higher wages often get higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will change depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Experienced local installers will incorporate these numbers into your first quotes to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Kennebec County cities
During November, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Kennebec County, ME is $3.91/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Kennebec County, ME will cost approximately $13,685 after applying the federal tax credit.
If you live in Maine, you can find 6 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
While paying cash provides the most savings, various financing options for solar panels exist that also make financial sense. Financing options from installers will often be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Kennebec County, ME is 8 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $21,676.6.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
