Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norwalk, CT (Mar 2023)
- Norwalk Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $19,044
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norwalk
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Norwalk.
In Norwalk, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Norwalk, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,781, or $12,557 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Norwalk homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Norwalk that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Norwalk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,668 |
| 3 years | $-5,442 |
| 5 years | $-3,216 |
| 7 years | $-990 |
| 9 years | $1,236 |
| 11 years | $3,462 |
| 13 years | $5,688 |
| 15 years | $7,914 |
| 17 years | $10,140 |
| 19 years | $12,366 |
| 21 years | $14,592 |
| 23 years | $16,818 |
| 25 years | $19,044 |
Top Solar Installers in Norwalk
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Norwalk, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Norwalk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norwalk
For many Norwalk homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Norwalk, 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Norwalk, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Norwalk, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $25,069 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $33,739 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $42,566 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $51,549 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $60,690 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $69,987 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $79,441 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $89,052 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business 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 Norwalk, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norwalk?
The average cost of solar panels in Norwalk 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Norwalk?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.