Solar Panel Cost Guide in Litchfield, CT (2023 Update)
- Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,201
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Litchfield
We go over average solar pricing in Litchfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Litchfield, the average cost of a solar system is 2.8 per watt. The average Litchfield homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,192 with the federal tax credit, or $13,145 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Litchfield based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Litchfield find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Litchfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,111 |
| 3 years | $-8,931 |
| 5 years | $-8,751 |
| 7 years | $-8,570 |
| 9 years | $-8,390 |
| 11 years | $-8,210 |
| 13 years | $-8,030 |
| 15 years | $-7,850 |
| 17 years | $-7,670 |
| 19 years | $-7,490 |
| 21 years | $-7,309 |
| 23 years | $-7,129 |
| 25 years | $-6,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Litchfield
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Litchfield
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend about $2,800 per kilowatt in Litchfield. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Litchfield, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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 | $54,238 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,614 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,146 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,835 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total 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 take into account, including:
- 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 how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Litchfield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Litchfield?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Litchfield?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 house 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.