Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, CT (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $8,898
- 25-Year Savings: $18,121
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Chester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chester, the average cost of a solar system is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chester is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,898 for a solar installation, or $12,724 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Chester for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,818 |
| 3 years | $-5,656 |
| 5 years | $-3,494 |
| 7 years | $-1,333 |
| 9 years | $829 |
| 11 years | $2,990 |
| 13 years | $5,152 |
| 15 years | $7,313 |
| 17 years | $9,475 |
| 19 years | $11,636 |
| 21 years | $13,798 |
| 23 years | $15,960 |
| 25 years | $18,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Chester:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Chester, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Chester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $23,511 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $31,661 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $39,968 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $48,432 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,053 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $65,831 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $74,765 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $83,856 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Chester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Chester, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Chester?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.