Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wallingford Center, CT (2024 Update)

  • Wallingford Center Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
  • 25-Year Savings: $37,362
  • Payback Period: 10.2 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 Wallingford Center

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Wallingford Center.

In Wallingford Center, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Wallingford Center homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,885 with the federal tax credit, or $16,996 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Wallingford Center depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Wallingford Center homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Wallingford Center

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,915
3 years $-5,975
5 years $-2,035
7 years $1,904
9 years $5,844
11 years $9,784
13 years $13,724
15 years $17,663
17 years $21,603
19 years $25,543
21 years $29,482
23 years $33,422
25 years $37,362

Top Solar Installers in Wallingford Center

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Wallingford Center, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you're searching for a solar company in Wallingford Center, we've compiled 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 Wallingford Center

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wallingford Center

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Wallingford Center: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,750. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Wallingford Center have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $22,039 10.7 years
8 kW $3.83 $21,420 $29,806 10.5 years
10 kW $3.75 $26,250 $37,782 10.2 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,870 $45,968 10.0 years
14 kW $3.60 $35,280 $54,365 9.8 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,480 $62,971 9.6 years
18 kW $3.45 $43,470 $71,788 9.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,250 $80,814 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Wallingford Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Wallingford Center, CT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wallingford Center?

This is a hard 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Wallingford Center?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Wallingford Center. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Wallingford Center have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.

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