Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Canaan, CT (2024 Update)
- New Canaan Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $34,351
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Canaan
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in New Canaan.
The average cost of a solar system in New Canaan is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in New Canaan, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,749, or $16,801 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in New Canaan depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in New Canaan find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in New Canaan that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in New Canaan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,905 |
| 3 years | $-6,217 |
| 5 years | $-2,529 |
| 7 years | $1,159 |
| 9 years | $4,847 |
| 11 years | $8,535 |
| 13 years | $12,223 |
| 15 years | $15,911 |
| 17 years | $19,599 |
| 19 years | $23,287 |
| 21 years | $26,975 |
| 23 years | $30,663 |
| 25 years | $34,351 |
Top Solar Installers in New Canaan
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in New Canaan, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 New Canaan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Canaan
For many New Canaan homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in New Canaan, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,750. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the New Canaan average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in New Canaan to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. New Canaan’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $19,840 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,874 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $34,117 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $41,571 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $49,234 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $57,108 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $65,191 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $73,485 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in New Canaan, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's New Canaan, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Canaan?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in New Canaan?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in New Canaan?
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 larger 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.