Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratford, CT (2024 Update)
- Stratford Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $24,927
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratford
We break down average solar pricing in Stratford.
The average cost of a solar system in Stratford is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Stratford, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,749, or $16,801 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Stratford based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Stratford can save around $29,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Stratford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stratford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,527 |
| 3 years | $-5,084 |
| 5 years | $-641 |
| 7 years | $3,802 |
| 9 years | $8,245 |
| 11 years | $12,688 |
| 13 years | $17,132 |
| 15 years | $21,575 |
| 17 years | $26,018 |
| 19 years | $30,461 |
| 21 years | $34,904 |
| 23 years | $39,347 |
| 25 years | $43,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Stratford:
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 Stratford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratford
The cost of installing a solar system in Stratford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,750. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Stratford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Stratford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Stratford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Stratford know more 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 end up saving you 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 | $28,796 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $38,814 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $49,043 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $59,481 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $70,130 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $80,988 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $92,057 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $103,335 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
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 Stratford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stratford?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,505.85 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.