Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ledyard, CT (Mar 2023)
- Ledyard Solar Installation Cost: $8,859
- 25-Year Savings: $18,380
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ledyard
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Ledyard.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ledyard, the average cost of solar panels is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Ledyard is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,859 for a solar installation, or $12,668 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ledyard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,770 |
| 3 years | $-5,591 |
| 5 years | $-3,411 |
| 7 years | $-1,232 |
| 9 years | $947 |
| 11 years | $3,126 |
| 13 years | $5,305 |
| 15 years | $7,484 |
| 17 years | $9,663 |
| 19 years | $11,842 |
| 21 years | $14,022 |
| 23 years | $16,201 |
| 25 years | $18,380 |
Top Solar Installers in Ledyard
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ledyard, we've compiled 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 Ledyard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ledyard
The cost of installing a solar system in Ledyard can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,800 per kilowatt in Ledyard. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ledyard, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ledyard offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Ledyard's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Ledyard have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $23,954 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $32,253 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,708 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $49,320 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $58,089 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $67,014 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $76,097 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $85,336 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Ledyard, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Ledyard, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ledyard?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ledyard?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
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 $1,206.16 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Ledyard?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.