Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branford, CT (Mar 2023)
- Branford Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $21,481
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Branford
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Branford.
The average cost of a solar system in Branford is 2.8 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Branford, the average price of going solar will be about $8,879 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Branford based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Branford can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Branford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Branford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,664 |
| 3 years | $-5,236 |
| 5 years | $-2,807 |
| 7 years | $-378 |
| 9 years | $2,051 |
| 11 years | $4,479 |
| 13 years | $6,908 |
| 15 years | $9,337 |
| 17 years | $11,766 |
| 19 years | $14,195 |
| 21 years | $16,623 |
| 23 years | $19,052 |
| 25 years | $21,481 |
Top Solar Installers in Branford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Branford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Branford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branford
There are several factors that can influence your solar system 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 size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,800. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Branford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Branford, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Branford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Branford are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 panel company you opt for 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Branford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Branford?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Branford?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Branford?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.