Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Haven, CT (Aug 2022)
- East Haven Solar Installation Cost: $9,386
- 25-Year Savings: $21,697
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Haven
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in East Haven.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Haven it's $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in East Haven is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,386 for a solar installation, or $6,946 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in East Haven based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in East Haven, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Haven
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-8,143 |
3 years | $-5,656 |
5 years | $-3,169 |
7 years | $-683 |
9 years | $1,804 |
11 years | $4,291 |
13 years | $6,777 |
15 years | $9,264 |
17 years | $11,751 |
19 years | $14,237 |
21 years | $16,724 |
23 years | $19,211 |
25 years | $21,697 |
Top Solar Installers in East Haven
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in East Haven:
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
The Green Panel
- 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
For many East Haven homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Haven, 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 Size
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Haven to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. East Haven's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,929 | $28,264 | 7.8 years |
8 kW | $2.86 | $16,908 | $38,017 | 7.7 years |
10 kW | $2.80 | $20,720 | $47,935 | 7.5 years |
12 kW | $2.74 | $24,367 | $58,019 | 7.4 years |
14 kW | $2.69 | $27,848 | $68,269 | 7.2 years |
16 kW | $2.63 | $31,163 | $78,685 | 7.1 years |
18 kW | $2.58 | $34,312 | $89,267 | 6.9 years |
20 kW | $2.52 | $37,296 | $100,014 | 6.8 years |
Solar Incentives in East Haven
Name | Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | ITC |
Type | Tax Incentive |
Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
Website | Visit here |
Name | Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff |
Incentive Amount | $100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Energy Conservation Loan |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff |
Incentive Amount | $98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation) |
Incentive Max | Standard offer for Small ZRECs |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems |
Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
Incentive Amount | 100% exemption for renewable energy property |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
Incentive Amount | Local Option |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Residential Solar Investment Program |
Incentive Amount | Customer-owned (EPBB): Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W 10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%. Third-Party-Owned (PBI): Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years Minimum Design Factor 60% |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout East Haven, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in East Haven?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.
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.