Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelton, CT (2024 Update)
- Shelton Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $21,587
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelton
We break down average solar pricing in Shelton.
In Shelton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Shelton is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,749 for a solar installation, or $16,801 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer 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 | $-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 Shelton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Shelton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelton
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Shelton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Shelton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Shelton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Shelton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Shelton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $24,318 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $32,844 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $41,580 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $50,526 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $59,682 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $69,048 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $78,624 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $88,410 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 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 $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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Shelton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Shelton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.