Solar Panel Cost Guide in Simsbury Center, CT (2023 Update)
- Simsbury Center Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
- 25-Year Savings: $17,827
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Simsbury Center
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Simsbury Center.
In Simsbury Center, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Simsbury Center, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,192, or $13,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Simsbury Center homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Simsbury Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,112 |
| 3 years | $-5,950 |
| 5 years | $-3,789 |
| 7 years | $-1,627 |
| 9 years | $535 |
| 11 years | $2,696 |
| 13 years | $4,858 |
| 15 years | $7,019 |
| 17 years | $9,181 |
| 19 years | $11,342 |
| 21 years | $13,504 |
| 23 years | $15,666 |
| 25 years | $17,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Simsbury Center
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Simsbury Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Simsbury Center
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Simsbury Center: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $22,304 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,052 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,957 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,019 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,237 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,613 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,145 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,834 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Simsbury Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 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 many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Simsbury Center?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Simsbury Center?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.