Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branford Center, CT (2023 Update)
- Branford Center 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 Center
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Branford Center.
In Branford Center, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Branford Center 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Branford Center homeowner can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Branford Center
| 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 Center
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Branford Center:
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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branford Center
Though the average cost of a solar system in Branford Center is $8,879, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Branford Center, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Branford Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Branford Center, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Branford Center homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Branford Center is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 down 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 impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Center, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Branford Center?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Branford Center?
Solar panels aren't free in Branford Center, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.