Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Haven, CT (2025 Update)
- East Haven Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $22,210
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Haven
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in East Haven.
The average cost of a solar panel system in East Haven is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in East Haven, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,885, or $16,996 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high initial cost, the average East Haven homeowner can save about $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in East Haven for a customized quote.
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 possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in East Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Haven
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. East Haven’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in East Haven know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $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
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
EcoWatch's East Haven, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Haven?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Haven?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,373.10 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.