Solar Panel Cost Guide in Simsbury Center, CT (2024 Update)

  • Simsbury Center Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,819
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Simsbury Center

See how much it might cost to go solar in Simsbury Center.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Simsbury Center, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $12,323 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Simsbury Center homeowners. 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Simsbury Center

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,479
3 years $-6,791
5 years $-3,103
7 years $585
9 years $4,273
11 years $7,961
13 years $11,649
15 years $15,337
17 years $19,025
19 years $22,713
21 years $26,401
23 years $30,089
25 years $33,777

Top Solar Installers in Simsbury Center

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Simsbury Center

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Simsbury Center

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Simsbury Center: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,750. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Simsbury Center, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Simsbury Center, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Simsbury Center homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Simsbury Center, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 $18,154 11.9 years
8 kW $3.83 $21,420 $24,626 11.6 years
10 kW $3.75 $26,250 $31,307 11.4 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,870 $38,198 11.2 years
14 kW $3.60 $35,280 $45,300 10.9 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,480 $52,611 10.7 years
18 kW $3.45 $43,470 $60,133 10.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,250 $67,864 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Simsbury Center, CT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Simsbury Center?

This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Simsbury Center is currently $382,973, so you could be looking at a value of about $15,702 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Simsbury Center is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.

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