What questions should I ask a solar panel company before hiring?

• <div><p>There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/install-solar-panels/">local solar panel company</a> before hiring them:</p><ul><li><p>Will you handle permits for the installation?</p></li><li><p>Does your total price include the equipment and labor?</p></li><li><p>How long do you expect the installation process to take?</p></li><li><p>What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?</p></li><li><p>Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?</p></li><li><p>Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?</p></li><li><p>Will you file for solar incentives for me?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Best solar panel pros near Vinalhaven, ME

Q: When is the best time to install solar panels?

• <div><p>Depending on the climate in your area, the best time to install solar panels is either winter or early spring. Summer is a fine time to install panels, too, but it tends to be the busy season, so prices may be higher and companies may have packed schedules. The installation process can take more time than expected between getting permits and finalizing a design, so start as soon as you can.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to build a solar farm?

• <div><p>The actual time it takes to construct the solar farm is relatively short, taking between <b>2 and 4 months</b> on average. That timeline is dependent on site conditions, crew size, and the overall size of the solar farm.</p><p>However, the time it takes to get the ball rolling is significantly longer, ranging from 3 to 5 years. With a project of this scale, you&rsquo;ll need to obtain all of the proper permits and approvals to start breaking ground, and depending on your location, that could be an extended process. </p></div>

Q: How long do solar shingles last?

• <div><p>Solar shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years, a lifespan comparable to that of traditional solar panels and standard asphalt shingles. The exact duration depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the installation. Because solar shingles are a newer technology, there is limited data on their actual long-term performance. Factors that can impact their durability and longevity include weather conditions, roof ventilation, and regular maintenance. To extend the life of your solar shingles, you should conduct regular inspections and cleaning, and make any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.</p></div>

Q: How many solar panels do you need to run a solar well pump?

• <div><p>Solar well pumps range from needing 200 watts of power to as much as 12,000 watts for heavy-duty pumps. Since the most common and cost-friendly solar panels are 100-watt panels, you&rsquo;ll need between two and 12 panels. The average is between two and eight panels for standard pumps. Based on the average cost of solar panels (<b>$1 to $1.50 per watt</b>), you&rsquo;d pay between <b>$200 and $1,800</b> for your well pump solar panels&mdash;not including installation.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Solar Panel Service pros in Vinalhaven, ME

*The Angi rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Vinalhaven, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Vinalhaven, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

Last update on June 27, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Great professional service. Explained everything answered my questions. The work was excellent. Cleaned up after they finished.
NGF Construction
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Reviewed in September 2024
The solar company I chose was one of the worst choices I have ever made. Vision Solar went Bankrupt and I had no one to help me when my system went down. I call numerous solar companies and no one would help me. Then I found Phase Out Electric it was an immediate yes after I told them what was...
Phase Out Electric
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Reviewed in July 2023
Matt and Dave were easy to work with and very communicative. The project turned out to require more repair than anticipated but they took care of everything. Great guys. Would definitely recommend them.
Moosely Odd Jobs
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Reviewed in April 2023
The owner is amazing to work with. Very professional, knowledgeable and provided good advice.
Harbor Salt Gardening
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Reviewed in February 2023
Accommodating, friendly, ceiling looks great. Quick turnaround, communicative, responsive. He clearly takes his work very seriously, and made a substantial effort to be a positive presence in our house while he was here.
Mike Rose Drywall
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Reviewed in September 2022
This deck provided some unusual problems as there had been a deck in the space before. There was a discovery of rot on the wall in back of the back plate. There were also five footers for the previous deck and the new deck required only two. The finished deck is safe, clean, well constructed,...
Rock River Construction
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Reviewed in May 2022
Rather than power wash the siding on this old house, they used a soft scrub method on the vinyl siding, and the result is wonderful, Clean and mold free, without any potential damage to siding beneath.
SK Softwashing
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Reviewed in February 2022
Did a wonderful job with my snow removal.Prompt,and got back to me right away. Thank you Nelson!!
Rocky Hills Landscaping
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Reviewed in January 2022
Hire Nate immediately if not sooner! He came to my rescue picking up and disposing of several contractor bags of waste when I moved from my rental and my regular trash company couldn't because of being short some workers due to Covid. Nate was professional, courteous and efficient. Yes it...
Brandon Brothers Handyman Services
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Reviewed in September 2021
Very professional, and carefully worked on the trees and regarded property with care. Listened to my concerns, and had advice based on research and experience. Made time for my project . Would hire again without hesitation. Thank you Vince
TreeTrimmers LLC
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Top-Rated Solar panel pros in Vinalhaven - Updated Nov 2026

R&J Solar LLC

5.0(

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Vinalhaven, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We provide residential and commercial solar power options, and provide support services for industry partner companies. We offer no cost consultations and $0 down financing. Please contact our office for a consultation at (931)922-8258.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dish Network Retailer Satellite Country

4.0(

283

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Vinalhaven, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"WE lose signal when it storms, but only for a very short time. A little expensive compared to Dish, but the programming is much better.
"

Recommended by74%of homeowners

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New England Home Renovations LLC

4.0(

311

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallSolar Water Heater System - Install - For BusinessSolar Water Heater System - Repair+1 more

Serving Vinalhaven, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"When working around the house I noticed that my main circuit breaker panel was suffering some severe corrosion which turned out to be due to a leak coming down the main power cable. NE Renovations had gotten good reviews so I asked them and others for a quote. The NE Renovations team (I believe sub-contractors) seemed to know the most about what they were doing and also helped me take temporary measures to stop the leak. When they came back to perform the job they were very quick, clean and professional. This included replacing the interior and exterior wall penetration, meter box, main feed cable and some pieces on the circuit breaker panel. They also dealt with the town for permits and the electric company for pulling the box. Overall they did exactly what they said for the price that they quoted and I was very pleased with their service. I also used two of the Angie's List "BigDeal" coupons, which they handled without any problems. I would definitely recommend them to others.
"

+37

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallSolar Water Heater System - Install - For BusinessSolar Water Heater System - Repair+1 more

Serving Vinalhaven, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We've used them for 16 years between our two homes.The cost is very reasonable.We pay a service fee visit. If its not covered, let say when our dishwasher was replaced. We wanted a more expensive one so we paid the difference."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Serving Vinalhaven, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Silicon Maine is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is too big or too small for our experienced team. Call today for a quote. \n

Response time4 days

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Solar Panels FAQs, answered by experts

Depending on the climate in your area, the best time to install solar panels is either winter or early spring. Summer is a fine time to install panels, too, but it tends to be the busy season, so prices may be higher and companies may have packed schedules. The installation process can take more time than expected between getting permits and finalizing a design, so start as soon as you can.

The actual time it takes to construct the solar farm is relatively short, taking between 2 and 4 months on average. That timeline is dependent on site conditions, crew size, and the overall size of the solar farm.

However, the time it takes to get the ball rolling is significantly longer, ranging from 3 to 5 years. With a project of this scale, you’ll need to obtain all of the proper permits and approvals to start breaking ground, and depending on your location, that could be an extended process.

Solar shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years, a lifespan comparable to that of traditional solar panels and standard asphalt shingles. The exact duration depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the installation. Because solar shingles are a newer technology, there is limited data on their actual long-term performance. Factors that can impact their durability and longevity include weather conditions, roof ventilation, and regular maintenance. To extend the life of your solar shingles, you should conduct regular inspections and cleaning, and make any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a local solar panel company before hiring them:

Will you handle permits for the installation?
Does your total price include the equipment and labor?
How long do you expect the installation process to take?
What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?
Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?
Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?
Will you file for solar incentives for me?

Solar well pumps range from needing 200 watts of power to as much as 12,000 watts for heavy-duty pumps. Since the most common and cost-friendly solar panels are 100-watt panels, you’ll need between two and 12 panels. The average is between two and eight panels for standard pumps. Based on the average cost of solar panels ($1 to $1.50 per watt), you’d pay between $200 and $1,800 for your well pump solar panels—not including installation.

The Vinalhaven, ME homeowners’ guide to solar panel services

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