Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norwalk, CT (2024 Update)
- Norwalk Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $19,052
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norwalk
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Norwalk.
The average cost of solar panels in Norwalk is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,749 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Norwalk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,905 |
| 3 years | $-6,217 |
| 5 years | $-2,529 |
| 7 years | $1,159 |
| 9 years | $4,847 |
| 11 years | $8,535 |
| 13 years | $12,223 |
| 15 years | $15,911 |
| 17 years | $19,599 |
| 19 years | $23,287 |
| 21 years | $26,975 |
| 23 years | $30,663 |
| 25 years | $34,351 |
Top Solar Installers in Norwalk
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Norwalk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norwalk
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Norwalk, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 more 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 in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Norwalk homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Norwalk is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $20,920 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $28,313 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $35,916 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $43,729 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $51,752 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $59,985 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $68,429 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $77,082 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Norwalk, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Norwalk, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norwalk?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Norwalk?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.