Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford Springs, CT (2024 Update)

  • Stafford Springs Solar Installation Cost: $12,322
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,819
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford Springs

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Stafford Springs.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stafford Springs typically cost around 4.The average Stafford Springs homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,322 with the federal tax credit, or $17,620 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stafford Springs find going solar can pay off big.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stafford Springs

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,478
3 years $-6,790
5 years $-3,102
7 years $586
9 years $4,274
11 years $7,962
13 years $11,650
15 years $15,338
17 years $19,026
19 years $22,714
21 years $26,402
23 years $30,090
25 years $33,778

Top Solar Installers in Stafford Springs

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Stafford Springs, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Stafford Springs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford Springs

For many Stafford Springs homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stafford Springs, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly 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 a variety of 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 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.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stafford Springs average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

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 Stafford Springs is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the 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 $18,156 11.9 years
8 kW $3.83 $21,420 $24,629 11.6 years
10 kW $3.75 $26,250 $31,311 11.4 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,870 $38,203 11.2 years
14 kW $3.60 $35,280 $45,305 10.9 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,480 $52,617 10.7 years
18 kW $3.45 $43,470 $60,139 10.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,250 $67,872 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Stafford Springs, CT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stafford Springs?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stafford Springs?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Stafford Springs is currently $295,027, which means you can expect a value of about $12,096 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Stafford Springs is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.

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