Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colchester, CT (2025 Update)
- Colchester Solar Installation Cost: $11,856
- 25-Year Savings: $18,939
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colchester
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Colchester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Colchester it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,856 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Colchester homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-6,324 |
| 5 years | $-2,636 |
| 7 years | $1,052 |
| 9 years | $4,740 |
| 11 years | $8,428 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,804 |
| 17 years | $19,492 |
| 19 years | $23,180 |
| 21 years | $26,868 |
| 23 years | $30,556 |
| 25 years | $34,244 |
Top Solar Installers in Colchester
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
See all of the solar companies in Colchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colchester
While the average cost of a solar system in Colchester is $11,856, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 with greater efficiency or power generation 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 $3,750.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Colchester, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Colchester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Colchester is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $20,539 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $27,805 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $35,282 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $42,968 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $50,865 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $58,971 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $67,287 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $75,814 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Colchester, 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
EcoWatch's Colchester, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colchester?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Colchester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Colchester. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Colchester is currently $378,617, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,523 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Colchester is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.