Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branford, CT (2024 Update)
- Branford Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $21,486
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Branford
We go over average solar pricing in Branford.
In Branford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Branford homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,885 with the federal tax credit, or $16,996 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Branford can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Branford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,041 |
| 3 years | $-6,353 |
| 5 years | $-2,665 |
| 7 years | $1,023 |
| 9 years | $4,711 |
| 11 years | $8,399 |
| 13 years | $12,087 |
| 15 years | $15,775 |
| 17 years | $19,463 |
| 19 years | $23,151 |
| 21 years | $26,839 |
| 23 years | $30,527 |
| 25 years | $34,215 |
Top Solar Installers in Branford
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Branford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branford
The cost of installing a solar system in Branford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Branford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Branford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Branford offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Branford is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.90 | $16,380 | $23,854 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $32,225 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $40,806 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $49,598 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $58,599 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $67,810 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $77,231 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $86,863 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Branford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Branford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Branford?
The average cost of solar panels in Branford is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Branford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Branford. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Branford?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.