Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, CT (2024 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $24,826
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Orange.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orange it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Orange, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,885, or $16,996 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Orange based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $28,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Orange for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,663 |
| 3 years | $-5,220 |
| 5 years | $-777 |
| 7 years | $3,666 |
| 9 years | $8,110 |
| 11 years | $12,553 |
| 13 years | $16,996 |
| 15 years | $21,439 |
| 17 years | $25,882 |
| 19 years | $30,325 |
| 21 years | $34,769 |
| 23 years | $39,212 |
| 25 years | $43,655 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
The cost of installing a solar system in Orange 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 company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,750. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Orange, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Orange, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $28,280 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $38,127 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $48,184 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $58,451 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $68,927 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $79,614 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $90,511 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $101,618 | 7.9 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:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 $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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Orange?
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.