Solar Panel Cost Guide in Essex, CT (2024 Update)
- Essex Solar Installation Cost: $11,907
- 25-Year Savings: $18,129
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex
We go over average solar pricing in Essex.
In Essex, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,907 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Essex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-6,375 |
| 5 years | $-2,687 |
| 7 years | $1,001 |
| 9 years | $4,689 |
| 11 years | $8,377 |
| 13 years | $12,065 |
| 15 years | $15,753 |
| 17 years | $19,441 |
| 19 years | $23,129 |
| 21 years | $26,817 |
| 23 years | $30,505 |
| 25 years | $34,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Essex
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Essex, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Essex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Essex
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Essex: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
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 ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Essex, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Essex homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Essex, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,361 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,235 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,318 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,612 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,115 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $55,829 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $63,753 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $71,886 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Essex, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Essex, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Essex?
The average cost of solar panels in Essex is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Essex?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Essex. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Essex?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Essex?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.