Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willimantic, CT (2024 Update)
- Willimantic Solar Installation Cost: $12,271
- 25-Year Savings: $17,857
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willimantic
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Willimantic.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Willimantic it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Willimantic, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,271, or $17,548 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Willimantic based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Willimantic
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,427 |
| 3 years | $-6,739 |
| 5 years | $-3,051 |
| 7 years | $637 |
| 9 years | $4,325 |
| 11 years | $8,013 |
| 13 years | $11,701 |
| 15 years | $15,389 |
| 17 years | $19,077 |
| 19 years | $22,765 |
| 21 years | $26,453 |
| 23 years | $30,141 |
| 25 years | $33,829 |
Top Solar Installers in Willimantic
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Willimantic
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willimantic
For many Willimantic homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Willimantic, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 around $3,750. The kind of 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Willimantic average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Willimantic offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Willimantic, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $18,301 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,821 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,551 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,491 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,641 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $53,001 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,572 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $68,352 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Willimantic, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willimantic?
The average cost of solar panels in Willimantic is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.