Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branford, CT (2023 Update)
- Branford Solar Installation Cost: $8,874
- 25-Year Savings: $21,486
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Branford
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Branford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Branford, the average cost of a solar system is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Branford is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,879 for a solar installation, or $12,697 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Branford homeowner can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Branford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,773 |
| 3 years | $-8,570 |
| 5 years | $-8,368 |
| 7 years | $-8,165 |
| 9 years | $-7,963 |
| 11 years | $-7,761 |
| 13 years | $-7,558 |
| 15 years | $-7,356 |
| 17 years | $-7,153 |
| 19 years | $-6,951 |
| 21 years | $-6,749 |
| 23 years | $-6,546 |
| 25 years | $-6,344 |
Top Solar Installers in Branford
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Branford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branford
While the average cost of a solar system in Branford is $8,879, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Branford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Branford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Branford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 discount 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $28,003 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $37,651 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $47,456 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $57,418 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $67,536 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $77,812 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $88,244 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $98,833 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Branford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Branford?
The average cost of solar panels in Branford is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Branford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Branford is currently $288,942, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,847 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Branford is a rewarding investment.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.