Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, CT (2023 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $8,874
- 25-Year Savings: $24,826
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels 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 solar panel system size in Orange is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,879 for a solar installation, or $12,697 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Orange see about $28,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Orange that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,652 |
| 3 years | $-2,209 |
| 5 years | $2,234 |
| 7 years | $6,677 |
| 9 years | $11,120 |
| 11 years | $15,564 |
| 13 years | $20,007 |
| 15 years | $24,450 |
| 17 years | $28,893 |
| 19 years | $33,336 |
| 21 years | $37,779 |
| 23 years | $42,223 |
| 25 years | $46,666 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Orange is $8,879, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Orange average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Orange homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Orange, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Orange?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Orange have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.