Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellington, CT (2023 Update)
- Ellington Solar Installation Cost: $9,200
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellington
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Ellington.
In Ellington, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,192 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ellington homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Ellington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ellington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,110 |
| 3 years | $-8,930 |
| 5 years | $-8,750 |
| 7 years | $-8,570 |
| 9 years | $-8,390 |
| 11 years | $-8,210 |
| 13 years | $-8,029 |
| 15 years | $-7,849 |
| 17 years | $-7,669 |
| 19 years | $-7,489 |
| 21 years | $-7,309 |
| 23 years | $-7,129 |
| 25 years | $-6,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellington
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Ellington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellington
While the average cost of a solar system in Ellington is $9,192, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ellington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ellington, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ellington is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,306 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,055 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,961 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,023 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,243 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,619 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,152 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,842 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Ellington, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ellington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 Ellington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.