Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colchester, CT (2024 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Colchester, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Colchester homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,856 with the federal tax credit, or $16,954 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Colchester homeowner can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
For many Colchester homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Colchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,750.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Colchester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Colchester provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 a lot of companies available in Colchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company 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 clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Colchester?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Colchester, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home 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, so you can expect 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.