Solar Panel Cost Guide in Old Lyme, CT (2024 Update)
- Old Lyme Solar Installation Cost: $11,856
- 25-Year Savings: $18,167
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Old Lyme
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Old Lyme.
The average cost of solar panels in Old Lyme is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Old Lyme, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,856, or $16,954 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Old Lyme based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Old Lyme homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Old Lyme
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-6,324 |
| 5 years | $-2,636 |
| 7 years | $1,052 |
| 9 years | $4,740 |
| 11 years | $8,428 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,804 |
| 17 years | $19,492 |
| 19 years | $23,180 |
| 21 years | $26,868 |
| 23 years | $30,556 |
| 25 years | $34,244 |
Top Solar Installers in Old Lyme
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Old Lyme:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Old Lyme
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Old Lyme
The cost of installing a solar system in Old Lyme can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,750 per kilowatt in Old Lyme.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Old Lyme homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Old Lyme homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Old Lyme, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the 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 | $19,513 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,438 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,572 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,916 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,471 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $56,235 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $64,209 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $72,394 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’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.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Old Lyme, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Old Lyme?
The average cost of solar panels in Old Lyme is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Are solar panels free in Old Lyme?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Old Lyme. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Old Lyme?
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.