Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamden, CT (Mar 2023)
- Hamden Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $21,466
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamden
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Hamden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hamden it's 2.8 per watt. The average Hamden homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,879 with the federal tax credit, or $12,697 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Hamden homeowner can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Hamden, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hamden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,665 |
| 3 years | $-5,237 |
| 5 years | $-2,810 |
| 7 years | $-382 |
| 9 years | $2,045 |
| 11 years | $4,473 |
| 13 years | $6,900 |
| 15 years | $9,328 |
| 17 years | $11,756 |
| 19 years | $14,183 |
| 21 years | $16,611 |
| 23 years | $19,038 |
| 25 years | $21,466 |
Top Solar Installers in Hamden
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hamden, 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hamden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamden
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,800. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hamden to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hamden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Hamden, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $27,983 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $37,625 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $47,423 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $57,378 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $67,490 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $77,758 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $88,184 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $98,766 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Hamden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Hamden, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hamden?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hamden?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 amount of 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.