Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, CT (2023 Update)
- Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $18,239
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverside
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Riverside.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Riverside, the average cost of a solar system is 2.8 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Riverside, the average price of going solar will be about $8,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Riverside homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Riverside homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Riverside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Riverside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,700 |
| 3 years | $-5,538 |
| 5 years | $-3,377 |
| 7 years | $-1,215 |
| 9 years | $946 |
| 11 years | $3,108 |
| 13 years | $5,269 |
| 15 years | $7,431 |
| 17 years | $9,592 |
| 19 years | $11,754 |
| 21 years | $13,916 |
| 23 years | $16,077 |
| 25 years | $18,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverside
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Riverside, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Riverside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside
The cost of installing a solar system in Riverside can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The brand 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. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Riverside have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Riverside, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $23,990 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $32,300 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,767 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $49,391 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $58,172 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $67,109 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $76,204 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $85,455 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- 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 you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Riverside, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Riverside?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Riverside?
You can't get solar panels for free in Riverside. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Riverside?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Riverside?
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.