Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellington, CT (2024 Update)
- Ellington Solar Installation Cost: $12,322
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellington
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Ellington.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Ellington is 4 per watt.The average Ellington homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,322 with the federal tax credit, or $17,620 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Ellington for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ellington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,478 |
| 3 years | $-6,790 |
| 5 years | $-3,102 |
| 7 years | $586 |
| 9 years | $4,274 |
| 11 years | $7,962 |
| 13 years | $11,650 |
| 15 years | $15,338 |
| 17 years | $19,026 |
| 19 years | $22,714 |
| 21 years | $26,402 |
| 23 years | $30,090 |
| 25 years | $33,778 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellington
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Ellington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellington
The cost of installing a solar system in Ellington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Ellington, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Ellington, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $18,156 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,629 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,311 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,203 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,305 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,617 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,139 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,872 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Ellington, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ellington?
The average cost of solar panels in Ellington is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ellington?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ellington, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Ellington?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.