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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex

We go over average solar pricing in Essex.

The average cost of a solar system in Essex is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,907 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, 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

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Essex: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

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, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,750.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Essex homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Essex, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 many companies to choose from in Essex, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Essex?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Essex. However, you may still be able to afford 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.

Does Essex have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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