Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, CT (2023 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,162
- 25-Year Savings: $17,857
- Payback Period: 8.5 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 Plainfield
We go over average solar pricing in Plainfield.
The average cost of a solar system in Plainfield is 2.8 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Plainfield, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,153, or $13,089 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Plainfield homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,318 |
| 3 years | $-3,630 |
| 5 years | $58 |
| 7 years | $3,746 |
| 9 years | $7,434 |
| 11 years | $11,122 |
| 13 years | $14,810 |
| 15 years | $18,498 |
| 17 years | $22,186 |
| 19 years | $25,874 |
| 21 years | $29,562 |
| 23 years | $33,250 |
| 25 years | $36,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Plainfield, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
There are several criteria that can affect 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainfield is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 discount 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 | $22,450 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,247 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $38,201 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,311 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,579 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $63,003 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,584 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $80,322 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Plainfield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainfield 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plainfield?
A solar panel system isn't free in Plainfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Plainfield is currently $193,608, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,938 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plainfield is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Plainfield?
On average, solar panels can last 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.