Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford, WI (2024 Update)
- Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $19,630
- 25-Year Savings: $22,881
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hartford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hartford it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $19,630 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hartford can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Hartford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,335 |
| 3 years | $-15,744 |
| 5 years | $-13,153 |
| 7 years | $-10,562 |
| 9 years | $-7,971 |
| 11 years | $-5,380 |
| 13 years | $-2,789 |
| 15 years | $-198 |
| 17 years | $2,393 |
| 19 years | $4,984 |
| 21 years | $7,575 |
| 23 years | $10,166 |
| 25 years | $12,757 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Hartford, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hartford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartford
There are several factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hartford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Hartford, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. 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 fit into 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,967 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,724 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,698 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,889 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,298 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,924 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,767 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,827 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Hartford, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hartford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar 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.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.