Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelton, CT (2023 Update)
- Shelton Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $21,579
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Shelton.
The average cost of a solar system in Shelton is 2.8 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Shelton, the average price of going solar will be about $8,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Shelton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shelton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,566 |
| 3 years | $-5,138 |
| 5 years | $-2,709 |
| 7 years | $-280 |
| 9 years | $2,149 |
| 11 years | $4,577 |
| 13 years | $7,006 |
| 15 years | $9,435 |
| 17 years | $11,864 |
| 19 years | $14,293 |
| 21 years | $16,721 |
| 23 years | $19,150 |
| 25 years | $21,579 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Shelton:
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 Shelton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelton
For many Shelton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Shelton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,800. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shelton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Shelton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $28,468 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $38,270 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $48,230 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $58,346 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $68,620 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $79,050 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $89,636 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $100,380 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Shelton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done 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 high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Shelton, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelton?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelton 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Shelton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Shelton, 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 will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably 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% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.