Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamden, CT (2024 Update)

  • Hamden Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,471
  • Payback Period: 9.8 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 Hamden

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hamden.

In Hamden, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,885 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Hamden, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hamden

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,915
3 years $-5,975
5 years $-2,035
7 years $1,904
9 years $5,844
11 years $9,784
13 years $13,724
15 years $17,663
17 years $21,603
19 years $25,543
21 years $29,482
23 years $33,422
25 years $37,362

Top Solar Installers in Hamden

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hamden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamden

For many Hamden homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hamden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hamden average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hamden, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hamden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Hamden, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 $23,834 10.2 years
8 kW $3.83 $21,420 $32,198 10.0 years
10 kW $3.75 $26,250 $40,773 9.8 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,870 $49,558 9.6 years
14 kW $3.60 $35,280 $58,552 9.4 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,480 $67,757 9.2 years
18 kW $3.45 $43,470 $77,171 9.0 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,250 $86,796 8.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If 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 thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Hamden, CT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hamden?

The average cost of solar panels in Hamden 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Hamden?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Hamden, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hamden, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for 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.

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