15 Best Solar Companies in Durham, CT (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Durham based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Durham, CT
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Durham homeowner saves $2,045/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Durham
When looking for the best solar companies in Durham, going through so many options can be taxing, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many great benefits. Thanks to encouraging government support and incentives, homeowners in Durham have access to some of the best solar companies in the nation.
There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Durham.To help you know if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Durham by clicking the button below.
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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Durham
SunRun Solar
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Grid-Tied Solar System- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Green Power Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
EcoSmart Home Services
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Elite Energy Consulting
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Everlast Energy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Savkat Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
Shoreline Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- System Decommissioning
Aegis Solar Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
Ion Solar Pros
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sunlight Solar Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SoPro
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Tesla Solar Branford
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
CT Solar Solutions / SunPower
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Earthlight Technologies
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Durham
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Durham based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Durham
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Connecticut solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Durham
For lots of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost.Some key factors that influence the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $24,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Durham gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from installing solar panels.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Durham
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durham
A lot of people want to do what they can to help the planet, which in many cases is the chief reason for installing a solar system.You may be curious – how much does making the switch help the planet anyway? If your home consumes lots of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Durham, CT Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Durham?
In Durham, SunRun Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 10.3 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.