Solar Panel Cost Guide in Preston, CT (2025 Update)

  • Preston Solar Installation Cost: $11,856
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,135
  • Payback Period: 9.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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 Preston

We break down average solar pricing in Preston.

In Preston, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Preston is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,856 for a solar installation, or $16,954 before the 0 federal solar tax credit 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 needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Preston find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Preston for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Preston

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,089
3 years$-6,556
5 years$-3,022
7 years$511
9 years$4,045
11 years$7,579
13 years$11,112
15 years$14,646
17 years$18,180
19 years$21,713
21 years$25,247
23 years$28,780
25 years$32,314

Top Solar Installers in Preston

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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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

See all of the solar companies in Preston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Preston

The cost of installing a solar system in Preston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, 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 a solar system in Preston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Preston, 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 out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Preston, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.90$16,380$23,45610.3 years
8 kW$3.83$21,420$31,69510.1 years
10 kW$3.75$26,250$40,1449.9 years
12 kW$3.67$30,870$48,8039.7 years
14 kW$3.60$35,280$57,6719.5 years
16 kW$3.52$39,480$66,7509.3 years
18 kW$3.45$43,470$76,0399.1 years
20 kW$3.38$47,250$85,5388.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
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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

EcoWatch's Preston, CT Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Preston is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Preston have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Preston?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.