Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southbury, CT (2024 Update)
- Southbury Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $34,215
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southbury
We go over average solar pricing in Southbury.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Southbury generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,885 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Southbury homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Southbury can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Southbury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Southbury
| 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 Southbury
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Southbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southbury
For many Southbury homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southbury, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,750.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Southbury, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Southbury homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
There are numerous companies available in Southbury, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Southbury, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southbury?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 property 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly 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 consumption 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.