Solar Panel Cost Guide in Derby, CT (2023 Update)
- Derby Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $21,481
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Derby
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Derby.
In Derby, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. The average Derby homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,879 with the federal tax credit, or $12,697 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Derby, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Derby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,664 |
| 3 years | $-5,236 |
| 5 years | $-2,807 |
| 7 years | $-378 |
| 9 years | $2,051 |
| 11 years | $4,479 |
| 13 years | $6,908 |
| 15 years | $9,337 |
| 17 years | $11,766 |
| 19 years | $14,195 |
| 21 years | $16,623 |
| 23 years | $19,052 |
| 25 years | $21,481 |
Top Solar Installers in Derby
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Derby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Derby
For many Derby homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Derby, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,800. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Derby, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Derby's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Derby have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $28,003 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $37,651 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $47,456 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $57,418 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $67,536 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $77,812 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $88,244 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $98,833 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost 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 Derby, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Derby?
The average cost of solar panels in Derby is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Derby?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
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% after installing a solar system."
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 decreases 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.