Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guilford, CT (2024 Update)
- Guilford 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 Guilford
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Guilford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Guilford, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Guilford is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,885 for a solar installation, or $16,996 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
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Solar savings over time in Guilford
| 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 Guilford
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Guilford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guilford
The cost of installing a solar system in Guilford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 a lot of companies available in Guilford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Guilford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Guilford?
The average cost of solar panels in Guilford 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 such as the type 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 Guilford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.