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.
In Ridgefield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,749 before the 0 federal solar tax credit 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 electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Ridgefield for a custom quote.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Ridgefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgefield
There are a number of factors that can affect your 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
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,750. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ridgefield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Ridgefield, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridgefield?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, 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?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ridgefield. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.