Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford, CT (Oct 2022)
- Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
- 25-Year Savings: $17,827
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford
We go over average solar pricing in Hartford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hartford it's $3 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Hartford, the average price of going solar will be about $9,192 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Hartford based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hartford find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,112 |
| 3 years | $-5,950 |
| 5 years | $-3,789 |
| 7 years | $-1,627 |
| 9 years | $535 |
| 11 years | $2,696 |
| 13 years | $4,858 |
| 15 years | $7,019 |
| 17 years | $9,181 |
| 19 years | $11,342 |
| 21 years | $13,504 |
| 23 years | $15,666 |
| 25 years | $17,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Hartford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartford
The cost of installing a solar system in Hartford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Hartford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hartford to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hartford, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,304 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,052 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,957 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,019 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,237 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,613 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,145 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,834 | 7.7 years |
Solar Incentives in Hartford
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Solar Investment Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions |
| Incentive Amount | |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Smart-E loans |
| Incentive Amount | |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | Local Option |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Energy Conservation Loan |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | (Electric and Gas) Residential Rebate Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program |
| Incentive Amount | Locally determined |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Hartford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hartford?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 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 above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hartford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hartford?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 buy 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.
