Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darien, CT (2023 Update)
- Darien Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $18,128
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darien
We break down average solar pricing in Darien.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Darien it's 2.8 per watt. The average Darien homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,781 with the federal tax credit, or $12,557 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Darien homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Darien, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Darien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,704 |
| 3 years | $-5,552 |
| 5 years | $-3,399 |
| 7 years | $-1,246 |
| 9 years | $906 |
| 11 years | $3,059 |
| 13 years | $5,212 |
| 15 years | $7,364 |
| 17 years | $9,517 |
| 19 years | $11,670 |
| 21 years | $13,822 |
| 23 years | $15,975 |
| 25 years | $18,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Darien
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Darien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darien
There are a number of factors that can play into 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $2,800 per kilowatt in Darien. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient 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 a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Darien, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor 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
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Darien is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $23,841 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $32,102 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,519 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $49,093 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,824 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $66,712 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $75,757 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $84,958 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Darien, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Darien, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Darien?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Darien?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.