Solar Panel Cost Guide in Killingworth, CT (Mar 2023)
- Killingworth Solar Installation Cost: $8,898
- 25-Year Savings: $18,121
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Killingworth
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Killingworth.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Killingworth it's 2.8 per watt. The average Killingworth homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,898 with the federal tax credit, or $12,724 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Killingworth depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Killingworth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,818 |
| 3 years | $-5,656 |
| 5 years | $-3,494 |
| 7 years | $-1,333 |
| 9 years | $829 |
| 11 years | $2,990 |
| 13 years | $5,152 |
| 15 years | $7,313 |
| 17 years | $9,475 |
| 19 years | $11,636 |
| 21 years | $13,798 |
| 23 years | $15,960 |
| 25 years | $18,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Killingworth
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Killingworth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Killingworth
The cost of installing a solar system in Killingworth 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 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, your total will most likely increase by around $2,800. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Killingworth average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Killingworth to be prohibitively expensive, 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 in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Killingworth, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $23,511 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $31,661 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $39,968 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $48,432 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,053 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $65,831 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $74,765 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $83,856 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Killingworth, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Killingworth?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Killingworth?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Killingworth?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 long do solar panels last in Killingworth?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.