Solar Panels Cost $2.8k-$14k in Penobscot County, ME | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Penobscot County, ME in 2024?
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To go solar in Penobscot County, ME averages out to $4.03 per watt in November, 2024.
According to the cost per watt, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar generation capacounty will cost you $4,030 for installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend about $14,105 for a 5 kW panel install in Penobscot County. Your electricity consumption levels could need a larger system.
On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. The following outline, below, highlights the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Penobscot County: $14,105US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Penobscot 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.
Penobscot County: $15,528US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Penobscot County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Penobscot County.
Roof size 465sq. ft.
Capacity 6.5kW DC
Electricity 7.4kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Penobscot County, ME & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Penobscot County households, the average monthly kWh usage is 507, with an average electric bill of 148.66. Bear in mind that this figure encompasses both apartments and smaller homes, which generally require reduced energy.
The rate of electricity in Penobscot County, ME, on average, is 29.32¢ per kWh in November 2024.
You'll spend $14,106 on a 5 kW solar panel installation after taking the 30% federal income tax credit into consideration.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Penobscot County
On your left, we have provided a detailed cost breakdown for the different solar panel system sizes installed in Penobscot County. As expected, a bigger solar system requires a greater initial expense, but it also translates to increased electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
In the calculator located to the right and below, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $148.66 electric bill for Penobscot County. Just change the $148.66 to your typical electricity bill for more accurate results.
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 $393 a year
Est. Price
$2,821
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,354 kWh
Est. monthly savings $33
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 833 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $785 a year
Est. Price
$5,642
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,708 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
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 1,666 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,178 a year
Est. Price
$8,463
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,062 kWh
Est. monthly savings $98
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 2,500 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,571 a year
Est. Price
$11,284
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,417 kWh
Est. monthly savings $131
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.35 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 62 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,333 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,963 a year
Est. Price
$14,105
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,771 kWh
Est. monthly savings $149
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.53 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 70 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,794 mi less a year
Penobscot County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. If you believe yourself eligible, we recommend using our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.
Most residents can take advantage of a 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a feasible option in various areas of the United States. In addition, numerous state and local programs work to further encourage the adoption of solar power.
Different utilities and government organizations in Maine have 6 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Penobscot County, ME?
For those in Penobscot County planning to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make perfect sense. Having a 5 kW solar system in Penobscot County, ME can potentially save you approximately $21,573.4 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Penobscot County, ME
Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not having solar panels or any backup energy system leaves you totally reliant on your electric utility for power. As demonstrated by recent news, total dependence on your utility isn't always the most favorable situation.
Normally, customers in Penobscot County encounter around 2.7 outages. Typically, outages have an average duration of 180.13 minutes. However, during significant events such as hurricanes, planned maintenance, or overloaded power grids, these times can drastically increase.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Penobscot County.
Regardless of whether a backup battery is there or not, a solar panel system could reduce the pressure of potential future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Penobscot County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Penobscot County, ME?
Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, the cost per watt declines. Many consumers find it advantageous to install a system that can generate enough electricity to offset the entirety of their electric bill. This math makes the most sense for optimal savings.
Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a variety of makes and models. The potential brand preferences of your chosen installer make it crucial to pick a recommended contractor. Opting for better quality equipment usually provides a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and for good reason. They are costlier but generate more energy. Most professionals in solar installation work with panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as trees, sloping terrain, or additional considerations can make the installation more challenging. Using satellite images, most solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. Businesses paying higher wages typically get better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the area, local permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence the cost of your installation. Reliable local installers will build these figures into your first estimates to eliminate any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Penobscot County cities
The cost per watt for solar panels in Penobscot County, ME during November of 2024 averages $4.03/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $14,105 in Penobscot County, ME after the federal tax credit is applied.
At present, there are 6 rebates and incentives available to Maine residents from various utility and government programs. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
While cash payments offer the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Information about financing options is typically detailed in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, the average time to recoup the cost of 5 kW solar panels in Penobscot County, ME is 8 years, with homeowners saving an average of $21,573.4 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
