Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Haven, CT (2023 Update)
- East Haven Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $22,205
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Haven
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Haven.
In East Haven, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in East Haven, the average price of going solar will be about $8,879 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $26,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East Haven find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,635 |
| 3 years | $-5,149 |
| 5 years | $-2,662 |
| 7 years | $-175 |
| 9 years | $2,311 |
| 11 years | $4,798 |
| 13 years | $7,285 |
| 15 years | $9,771 |
| 17 years | $12,258 |
| 19 years | $14,745 |
| 21 years | $17,231 |
| 23 years | $19,718 |
| 25 years | $22,205 |
Top Solar Installers in East Haven
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in East Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Haven
The cost of installing a solar system in East Haven can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in East Haven, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. 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 learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $28,963 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $38,930 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $49,055 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $59,336 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $69,775 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $80,370 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $91,121 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $102,030 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as 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, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's East Haven, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Haven?
The average cost of solar panels in East Haven is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Haven?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably 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."
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy 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.