Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, CT (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $8,890
- 25-Year Savings: $18,129
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Chester, the average price of going solar will be about $8,898 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Chester homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,800 |
| 3 years | $-8,620 |
| 5 years | $-8,440 |
| 7 years | $-8,260 |
| 9 years | $-8,080 |
| 11 years | $-7,900 |
| 13 years | $-7,719 |
| 15 years | $-7,539 |
| 17 years | $-7,359 |
| 19 years | $-7,179 |
| 21 years | $-6,999 |
| 23 years | $-6,819 |
| 25 years | $-6,639 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar 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
See all of the solar companies in Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
For many Chester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 Chester. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chester have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Chester, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, 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
EcoWatch's Chester, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chester?
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 property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.