Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgefield, CT (2024 Update)
- Ridgefield Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $18,247
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgefield
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ridgefield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ridgefield it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Ridgefield, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,749, or $16,801 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ridgefield can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ridgefield
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-9,905 |
3 years | $-6,217 |
5 years | $-2,529 |
7 years | $1,159 |
9 years | $4,847 |
11 years | $8,535 |
13 years | $12,223 |
15 years | $15,911 |
17 years | $19,599 |
19 years | $23,287 |
21 years | $26,975 |
23 years | $30,663 |
25 years | $34,351 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgefield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Ridgefield, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Ridgefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgefield
For many Ridgefield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ridgefield, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ridgefield provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ridgefield is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $19,840 | 11.3 years |
8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,874 | 11.1 years |
10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $34,117 | 10.9 years |
12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $41,571 | 10.7 years |
14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $49,234 | 10.4 years |
16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $57,108 | 10.2 years |
18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $65,191 | 10.0 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $73,485 | 9.8 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 durability and efficiency, 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: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Ridgefield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ridgefield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ridgefield?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Ridgefield, 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.