Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Haven, CT (2024 Update)
- West Haven Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $24,826
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Haven
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Haven.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Haven, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Haven is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,885 for a solar installation, or $16,996 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average West Haven homeowner can save around $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in West Haven for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,663 |
| 3 years | $-5,220 |
| 5 years | $-777 |
| 7 years | $3,666 |
| 9 years | $8,110 |
| 11 years | $12,553 |
| 13 years | $16,996 |
| 15 years | $21,439 |
| 17 years | $25,882 |
| 19 years | $30,325 |
| 21 years | $34,769 |
| 23 years | $39,212 |
| 25 years | $43,655 |
Top Solar Installers in West Haven
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 West Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Haven
The cost of installing a solar system in West Haven can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Haven homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. West Haven’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $28,280 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $38,127 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $48,184 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $58,451 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $68,927 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $79,614 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $90,511 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $101,618 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 West Haven, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Haven?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Haven?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Haven. 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
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 $1,488.68 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Haven?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.