Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middlebury, CT (2023 Update)
- Middlebury Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $18,141
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middlebury
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Middlebury.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Middlebury, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.8 per watt. The average Middlebury homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,879 with the federal tax credit, or $12,697 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Middlebury depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Middlebury homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Middlebury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middlebury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,798 |
| 3 years | $-5,636 |
| 5 years | $-3,475 |
| 7 years | $-1,313 |
| 9 years | $848 |
| 11 years | $3,010 |
| 13 years | $5,171 |
| 15 years | $7,333 |
| 17 years | $9,494 |
| 19 years | $11,656 |
| 21 years | $13,818 |
| 23 years | $15,979 |
| 25 years | $18,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Middlebury
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Middlebury:
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 Middlebury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middlebury
Although the average cost of a solar system in Middlebury is $8,879, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Middlebury, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Middlebury, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 Middlebury have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to 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 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 | $23,577 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $31,750 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,079 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $48,565 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,208 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $66,008 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $74,964 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $84,078 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- 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 you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 Middlebury, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middlebury?
The average cost of solar panels in Middlebury is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middlebury?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Middlebury?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.