Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meriden, CT (2024 Update)

  • Meriden Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,117
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meriden

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Meriden.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Meriden is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Meriden, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,885, or $16,996 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Meriden

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,041
3 years $-6,353
5 years $-2,665
7 years $1,023
9 years $4,711
11 years $8,399
13 years $12,087
15 years $15,775
17 years $19,463
19 years $23,151
21 years $26,839
23 years $30,527
25 years $34,215

Top Solar Installers in Meriden

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Meriden:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Meriden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meriden

For many Meriden homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meriden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,750 per kilowatt in Meriden.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Meriden have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Meriden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Meriden is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.90 $16,380 $22,039 10.7 years
8 kW $3.83 $21,420 $29,806 10.5 years
10 kW $3.75 $26,250 $37,782 10.2 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,870 $45,968 10.0 years
14 kW $3.60 $35,280 $54,365 9.8 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,480 $62,971 9.6 years
18 kW $3.45 $43,470 $71,788 9.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,250 $80,814 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Meriden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Meriden, CT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meriden?

The average cost of solar panels in Meriden is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely 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 Meriden?

The majority of states offer 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.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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.

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