Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Haven, CT (2023 Update)
- East Haven Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $22,210
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated October 25, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Haven
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in East Haven.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Haven it's 2.8 per watt.The average East Haven 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of East Haven homeowners. 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.Despite the large upfront cost, the average East Haven homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,789 |
| 3 years | $-5,597 |
| 5 years | $-1,406 |
| 7 years | $2,785 |
| 9 years | $6,977 |
| 11 years | $11,168 |
| 13 years | $15,360 |
| 15 years | $19,551 |
| 17 years | $23,743 |
| 19 years | $27,934 |
| 21 years | $32,126 |
| 23 years | $36,317 |
| 25 years | $40,508 |
Top Solar Installers in East Haven
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in East Haven, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 East Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Haven
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in East Haven: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,800 per kilowatt in East Haven.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in East Haven, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $24,813 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $33,504 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $42,405 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $51,516 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $60,837 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $70,368 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $80,109 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $90,060 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in East Haven, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 East Haven, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Haven?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in East Haven?
You can't get solar panels for free in East Haven. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does East Haven have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 account for 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.