Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, CT (2024 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $22,317
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Fairfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairfield it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fairfield, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,749, or $16,801 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fairfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Fairfield homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,754 |
| 3 years | $-5,764 |
| 5 years | $-1,774 |
| 7 years | $2,216 |
| 9 years | $6,206 |
| 11 years | $10,196 |
| 13 years | $14,186 |
| 15 years | $18,176 |
| 17 years | $22,166 |
| 19 years | $26,157 |
| 21 years | $30,147 |
| 23 years | $34,137 |
| 25 years | $38,127 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fairfield:
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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fairfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,750 per kilowatt in Fairfield.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fairfield, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfield is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $25,296 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $34,148 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $43,210 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $52,482 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $61,964 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $71,656 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $81,559 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $91,671 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Fairfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Fairfield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairfield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,389.21 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.