Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Fairfield, CT (Mar 2023)
- New Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $18,239
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Fairfield
We go over average solar pricing in New Fairfield.
In New Fairfield, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $8,781 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in New Fairfield find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,700 |
| 3 years | $-5,538 |
| 5 years | $-3,377 |
| 7 years | $-1,215 |
| 9 years | $946 |
| 11 years | $3,108 |
| 13 years | $5,269 |
| 15 years | $7,431 |
| 17 years | $9,592 |
| 19 years | $11,754 |
| 21 years | $13,916 |
| 23 years | $16,077 |
| 25 years | $18,239 |
Top Solar Installers in New Fairfield
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in New Fairfield:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in New Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Fairfield
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,800. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in New Fairfield have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. New Fairfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in New Fairfield have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $23,990 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $32,300 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,767 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $49,391 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $58,172 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $67,109 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $76,204 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $85,455 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's New Fairfield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Fairfield?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely 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 New Fairfield?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of 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.
How long do solar panels last in New Fairfield?
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.