Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middlebury, CT (2024 Update)
- Middlebury Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $18,146
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middlebury
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Middlebury.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Middlebury, 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 the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Middlebury, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middlebury
| 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 Middlebury
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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 Middlebury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middlebury
The cost of installing a solar system in Middlebury can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay about $3,750 per kilowatt in Middlebury.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Middlebury, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Middlebury homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Middlebury, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Middlebury are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $19,427 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,323 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,429 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,745 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,270 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $56,006 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $63,952 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $72,108 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Middlebury, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middlebury?
The average cost of solar panels in Middlebury 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middlebury?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 needs 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.