Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, CT (2023 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
- 25-Year Savings: $17,827
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bristol.
In Bristol, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bristol, the average price of going solar will be about $9,192 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bristol find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Bristol for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,112 |
| 3 years | $-5,950 |
| 5 years | $-3,789 |
| 7 years | $-1,627 |
| 9 years | $535 |
| 11 years | $2,696 |
| 13 years | $4,858 |
| 15 years | $7,019 |
| 17 years | $9,181 |
| 19 years | $11,342 |
| 21 years | $13,504 |
| 23 years | $15,666 |
| 25 years | $17,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bristol, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Bristol, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bristol, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bristol homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bristol, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 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 | $22,304 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,052 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,957 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,019 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,237 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,613 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,145 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,834 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Bristol, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
The average cost of solar panels in Bristol 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bristol?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bristol is currently $202,757, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,313 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bristol is a fruitful investment.
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 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 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.