Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, CT (2023 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $22,309
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fairfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairfield it's 2.8 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fairfield, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,781, or $12,557 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fairfield homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $26,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairfield find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,537 |
| 3 years | $-5,050 |
| 5 years | $-2,563 |
| 7 years | $-76 |
| 9 years | $2,411 |
| 11 years | $4,899 |
| 13 years | $7,386 |
| 15 years | $9,873 |
| 17 years | $12,360 |
| 19 years | $14,847 |
| 21 years | $17,334 |
| 23 years | $19,822 |
| 25 years | $22,309 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Fairfield, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fairfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fairfield, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfield is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $29,446 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $39,575 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $49,860 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $60,303 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $70,902 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $81,658 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $92,571 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $103,641 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Fairfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Fairfield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfield is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.