Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainville, CT (Mar 2023)

  • Plainville Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,827
  • Payback Period: 8.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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.

The average cost of a solar system in Plainville is 2.8 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Plainville, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,192, or $13,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Plainville depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Plainville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,112
3 years $-5,950
5 years $-3,789
7 years $-1,627
9 years $535
11 years $2,696
13 years $4,858
15 years $7,019
17 years $9,181
19 years $11,342
21 years $13,504
23 years $15,666
25 years $17,827

Top Solar Installers in Plainville

When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Plainville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainville

The cost of installing a solar system in Plainville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Plainville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Plainville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 $22,304 8.9 years
8 kW $2.86 $15,994 $30,052 8.7 years
10 kW $2.80 $19,600 $37,957 8.5 years
12 kW $2.74 $23,050 $46,019 8.3 years
14 kW $2.69 $26,342 $54,237 8.2 years
16 kW $2.63 $29,478 $62,613 8.0 years
18 kW $2.58 $32,458 $71,145 7.8 years
20 kW $2.52 $35,280 $79,834 7.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Plainville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • 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.
  • Contract: It's important to read 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.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Plainville, CT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainville?

The average cost of solar panels in Plainville 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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 feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Plainville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Plainville?

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 larger amount 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.

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