Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Every year, more Lewiston residents turn to rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and add value to their property. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we compiled a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Lewiston. These installers have a reputation for high-quality service.
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. The Maine Electricians' Examining Board examines professionals installing solar photovoltaic systems in the state. There are no special solar licenses; only an electricians' license is necessary.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar providers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you evaluate a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Contact three to five solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Lewiston will depend on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system could range from $3,800 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Lewiston are 5.4 kilowatts, and the typical Lewiston homeowners spends $14,377 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Geothermal Heat Pumps: One third of the installation cost up to $3,000
Air Sealing (6 hrs): $400
Insulation: 30% of project costs, up to $1,000 per zone
Air-Source Heat Pumps: $500 for single or first zone heating; an additional $250 is available for second zone heating
Biomass Boilers and Furnaces: One third of the installation cost up to $6,000
See rebate application for full list of rebate bonuses
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Lewiston, the average amount someone can save is $905 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Lewiston with moderate sunlight, the period could last 15.9 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Lewiston homes. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Solar panels are gaining wider adoption for their low upkeep costs and high efficiency under a variety of conditions. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
