Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgeport, CT (Aug 2022)
- Bridgeport Solar Installation Cost: $9,283
- 25-Year Savings: $23,582
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgeport
We break down average solar pricing in Bridgeport.
The average cost of a solar system in Bridgeport is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5 would cost about $9,283 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bridgeport see about $28,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,968 |
| 3 years | $-5,339 |
| 5 years | $-2,710 |
| 7 years | $-80 |
| 9 years | $2,549 |
| 11 years | $5,178 |
| 13 years | $7,807 |
| 15 years | $10,436 |
| 17 years | $13,065 |
| 19 years | $15,695 |
| 21 years | $18,324 |
| 23 years | $20,953 |
| 25 years | $23,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgeport
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Bridgeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgeport
The cost of installing a solar system in Bridgeport can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Bridgeport, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bridgeport, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridgeport to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Bridgeport 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 end up saving you 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 | $12,929 | $31,127 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $16,908 | $41,834 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $20,720 | $52,707 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $24,367 | $63,746 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $27,848 | $74,950 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $31,163 | $86,320 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $34,312 | $97,856 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $37,296 | $109,558 | 6.3 years |
Solar Incentives in Bridgeport
| Name | Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff |
| Incentive Amount | $100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Energy Conservation Loan |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff |
| Incentive Amount | $98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation) |
| Incentive Max | Standard offer for Small ZRECs |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption for renewable energy property |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | Local Option |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Solar Investment Program |
| Incentive Amount | Customer-owned (EPBB): Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W 10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%. Third-Party-Owned (PBI): Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years Minimum Design Factor 60% |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose have an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Bridgeport, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridgeport?
The average cost of solar panels in Bridgeport 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Bridgeport?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.
