Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgeport, CT (Jan 2023)
- Bridgeport Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $24,084
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgeport
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bridgeport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridgeport it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5 would cost about $8,781 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bridgeport depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,466 |
| 3 years | $-4,837 |
| 5 years | $-2,208 |
| 7 years | $421 |
| 9 years | $3,051 |
| 11 years | $5,680 |
| 13 years | $8,309 |
| 15 years | $10,938 |
| 17 years | $13,567 |
| 19 years | $16,196 |
| 21 years | $18,826 |
| 23 years | $21,455 |
| 25 years | $24,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgeport
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Bridgeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgeport
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bridgeport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,800 per kilowatt in Bridgeport. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridgeport to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bridgeport homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $31,826 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $42,748 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $53,827 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $65,063 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $76,455 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $88,005 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $99,711 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $111,574 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Bridgeport, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridgeport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bridgeport?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bridgeport. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bridgeport, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.