Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, CT (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $11,907
- 25-Year Savings: $18,129
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We break down average solar pricing in Chester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,907 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Chester homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Chester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-6,375 |
| 5 years | $-2,687 |
| 7 years | $1,001 |
| 9 years | $4,689 |
| 11 years | $8,377 |
| 13 years | $12,065 |
| 15 years | $15,753 |
| 17 years | $19,441 |
| 19 years | $23,129 |
| 21 years | $26,817 |
| 23 years | $30,505 |
| 25 years | $34,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chester, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chester 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Chester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.90 | $16,380 | $19,361 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,235 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,318 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,612 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,115 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $55,829 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $63,753 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $71,886 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Chester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Chester, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Chester?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Chester, 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.
Is it worth going solar in Chester?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Chester?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.