Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainville, CT (2024 Update)

  • Plainville Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,819
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainville

We go over average solar pricing in Plainville.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plainville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $12,323 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Plainville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,479
3 years$-6,791
5 years$-3,103
7 years$585
9 years$4,273
11 years$7,961
13 years$11,649
15 years$15,337
17 years$19,025
19 years$22,713
21 years$26,401
23 years$30,089
25 years$33,777

Top Solar Installers in Plainville

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Plainville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainville

For many Plainville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plainville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,750. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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 solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Plainville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.90$16,380$18,15411.9 years
8 kW$3.83$21,420$24,62611.6 years
10 kW$3.75$26,250$31,30711.4 years
12 kW$3.67$30,870$38,19811.2 years
14 kW$3.60$35,280$45,30010.9 years
16 kW$3.52$39,480$52,61110.7 years
18 kW$3.45$43,470$60,13310.5 years
20 kW$3.38$47,250$67,86410.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over 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 installation process.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Plainville, CT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainville?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Plainville?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Plainville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Plainville?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 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 buy 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.