Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, CT (2023 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $24,821
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
We go over average solar pricing in Orange.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orange it's 2.8 per watt. The average Orange homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,879 with the federal tax credit, or $12,697 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,531 |
| 3 years | $-4,835 |
| 5 years | $-2,139 |
| 7 years | $557 |
| 9 years | $3,253 |
| 11 years | $5,949 |
| 13 years | $8,645 |
| 15 years | $11,341 |
| 17 years | $14,037 |
| 19 years | $16,733 |
| 21 years | $19,429 |
| 23 years | $22,125 |
| 25 years | $24,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
There are a number of factors that can determine 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
One of the most important 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 spend about $2,800 per kilowatt in Orange. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orange to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Orange homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Orange, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $32,430 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $43,553 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $54,834 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $66,271 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $77,865 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $89,616 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $101,523 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $113,588 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Orange, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orange?
The average cost of solar panels in Orange 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Orange?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Orange have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher level 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.