Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in York County, ME | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in York County, ME in 2024?
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It costs, on average, $3.83 per watt to have solar installed in the month of November, 2024 in York County, ME.
You should expect costs to be $3,830, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar panel system will need to generate. Subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel install in York County typically costs $13,405. However, it’s important to take into account that a higher capacity system may be needed to ensure your energy requirements are met.
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. Displayed below is a breakdown of the price, payback period, and 20-year average 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.
York County: $13,405US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
York 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.
York County: $16,144US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in York County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in York County.
Roof size 501sq. ft.
Capacity 7kW DC
Electricity 8kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in York County, ME & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
An energy consumer in York County generally uses 530 kWh per month, leading to an average electric bill of 147.06. Bear in mind that this figure includes smaller residences including apartments, known for lower energy needs.
As of November 2024, the average rate for electricity per kWh in York County, ME is 27.72¢.
Initially, a 5 kW solar system is priced at about $19,150, with the federal tax credit providing 30% back, reducing the price to $13,405.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in York County
On your left, we have provided a detailed cost breakdown for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in York County. The larger the solar array, the larger the initial expense, but also the more considerable electricity savings and income tax credits you'll gain.
In the calculator provided to the right and below, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $147.06 electric bill for York County. Replace the $147.06 with your average electricity bill to get more detailed 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 $379 a year
Est. Price
$2,681
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 0.35 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 16 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 871 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $758 a year
Est. Price
$5,362
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 0.7 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 32 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,743 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,137 a year
Est. Price
$8,043
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 1.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 49 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,614 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,517 a year
Est. Price
$10,724
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 1.41 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,486 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,896 a year
Est. Price
$13,405
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 1.64 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 75 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,054 mi less a year
York County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant currently offers between 80% and 100% coverage for the installation costs of solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar attractive and practical for a variety of homeowners. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to promote further adoption of solar energy.
Various utilities and government entities in Maine provide 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 York County, ME?
For those in York County looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. Having a 5 kW solar system in York County, ME can potentially save you around $21,889.4 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in York County, ME
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings discussed previously and are entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have revealed that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always the most favorable condition.
Annually, customers in York County experience about 1.45 outages. On average, the length of an outage is 157.59 minutes. Major events like winter storms, wildlife damage, or overloaded power grids can cause these durations to rise considerably.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in York County.
A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in York County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in York County, ME?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often discover that setting up a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring optimal savings.
Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a wide variety of makes and models. Considering the system preferences that your installer may have, it's important to select a reputable contractor. For a superior long-term experience, buyers should consider better quality models.
Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard. They come with a higher price, but they generate more energy. Many solar panel installers choose this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can make the installation more challenging. Nowadays, most solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these considerations in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs connected to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages usually see higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will impact your installation cost. Good installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other York County cities
As of November, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in York County, ME is $3.83/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in York County, ME drops to roughly $13,405.
As of now, there are 6 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government entities in Maine. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash yields the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are financially sensible. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in York County, ME is 8 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $21,889.4.
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