Solar Panel Cost Guide in Canterbury, CT (2024 Update)

  • Canterbury Solar Installation Cost: $12,271
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,857
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Canterbury

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Canterbury.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Canterbury it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Canterbury, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,271, or $17,548 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Canterbury find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Canterbury for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Canterbury

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,427
3 years$-6,739
5 years$-3,051
7 years$637
9 years$4,325
11 years$8,013
13 years$11,701
15 years$15,389
17 years$19,077
19 years$22,765
21 years$26,453
23 years$30,141
25 years$33,829

Top Solar Installers in Canterbury

Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Canterbury

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Canterbury

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Canterbury: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Canterbury, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Canterbury homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Canterbury’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see 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 major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.90$16,380$18,30111.8 years
8 kW$3.83$21,420$24,82111.6 years
10 kW$3.75$26,250$31,55111.4 years
12 kW$3.67$30,870$38,49111.1 years
14 kW$3.60$35,280$45,64110.9 years
16 kW$3.52$39,480$53,00110.7 years
18 kW$3.45$43,470$60,57210.4 years
20 kW$3.38$47,250$68,35210.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Canterbury, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Canterbury, CT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Canterbury?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Canterbury?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Canterbury?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 Canterbury?

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.