Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branford Center, CT (2024 Update)
- Branford Center 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 Center
We go over average solar pricing in Branford Center.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Branford Center, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,885 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Branford Center
| 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 Center
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branford Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Branford Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Branford Center homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Branford Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Center, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Branford Center?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Branford Center?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Branford Center?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.