Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cheshire, CT (2024 Update)
- Cheshire Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $20,117
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cheshire
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Cheshire.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cheshire, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Cheshire, the average price of going solar will be about $11,885 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Cheshire based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cheshire find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cheshire
| 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 Cheshire
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Cheshire, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cheshire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cheshire
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,750. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cheshire homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cheshire, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Cheshire are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $22,039 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $29,806 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $37,782 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $45,968 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $54,365 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $62,971 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $71,788 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $80,814 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Cheshire, 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:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Cheshire, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cheshire?
The average cost of solar panels in Cheshire is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cheshire?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,280.64 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Cheshire?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.