Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, CT (2024 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $22,317
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Fairfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairfield it’s 4 per watt.The average Fairfield homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,749 with the federal tax credit, or $16,801 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Fairfield homeowner can save around $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,754 |
| 3 years | $-5,764 |
| 5 years | $-1,774 |
| 7 years | $2,216 |
| 9 years | $6,206 |
| 11 years | $10,196 |
| 13 years | $14,186 |
| 15 years | $18,176 |
| 17 years | $22,166 |
| 19 years | $26,157 |
| 21 years | $30,147 |
| 23 years | $34,137 |
| 25 years | $38,127 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Fairfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment 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 Fairfield to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to 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 solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $25,296 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $34,148 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $43,210 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $52,482 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $61,964 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $71,656 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $81,559 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $91,671 | 8.5 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Fairfield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairfield?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than 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 electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,389.21 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.