Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, CT (2023 Update)

  • Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $8,898
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,121
  • Payback Period: 8.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Middletown

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Middletown.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middletown it's 2.8 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $8,898 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Middletown can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Middletown for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Middletown

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 Middletown

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Middletown:

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 Middletown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown

While the average cost of a solar system in Middletown is $8,898, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Middletown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Middletown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Middletown, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Middletown is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.

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 Middletown, CT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middletown?

The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Middletown?

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 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 solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,191.36 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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