Solar Panel Cost Guide in Danbury, CT (2023 Update)
- Danbury Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $19,909
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Danbury
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Danbury.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Danbury generally cost around 2.8. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Danbury, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,781, or $12,557 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Danbury homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Danbury homeowner can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Danbury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Danbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,633 |
| 3 years | $-5,338 |
| 5 years | $-3,043 |
| 7 years | $-748 |
| 9 years | $1,548 |
| 11 years | $3,843 |
| 13 years | $6,138 |
| 15 years | $8,433 |
| 17 years | $10,728 |
| 19 years | $13,023 |
| 21 years | $15,319 |
| 23 years | $17,614 |
| 25 years | $19,909 |
Top Solar Installers in Danbury
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Danbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Danbury
For many Danbury homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Danbury, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Danbury, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Danbury, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Danbury homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Danbury, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $26,229 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $35,285 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $44,499 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $53,869 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $63,396 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $73,080 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $82,920 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $92,917 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Danbury, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Danbury?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. 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 Danbury?
A solar panel system isn't free in Danbury, 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 further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Danbury?
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 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.