Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Stonington, CT (2024 Update)
- North Stonington Solar Installation Cost: $11,856
- 25-Year Savings: $18,167
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Stonington
We go over average solar pricing in North Stonington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Stonington generally cost around 4.The average North Stonington homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,856 with the federal tax credit, or $16,954 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in North Stonington based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in North Stonington for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in North Stonington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-6,324 |
| 5 years | $-2,636 |
| 7 years | $1,052 |
| 9 years | $4,740 |
| 11 years | $8,428 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,804 |
| 17 years | $19,492 |
| 19 years | $23,180 |
| 21 years | $26,868 |
| 23 years | $30,556 |
| 25 years | $34,244 |
Top Solar Installers in North Stonington
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in North Stonington, the EcoWatch team has 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 North Stonington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Stonington
For many North Stonington homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Stonington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,750.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Stonington to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in North Stonington, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.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 | $19,513 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,438 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,572 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,916 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,471 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $56,235 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $64,209 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $72,394 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 North Stonington, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Stonington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Stonington?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Stonington, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in North Stonington?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.