Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southbury, CT (2023 Update)
- Southbury Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $18,141
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southbury
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Southbury.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southbury it's 2.8 per watt. The average Southbury homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,879 with the federal tax credit, or $12,697 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Southbury depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southbury find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,798 |
| 3 years | $-5,636 |
| 5 years | $-3,475 |
| 7 years | $-1,313 |
| 9 years | $848 |
| 11 years | $3,010 |
| 13 years | $5,171 |
| 15 years | $7,333 |
| 17 years | $9,494 |
| 19 years | $11,656 |
| 21 years | $13,818 |
| 23 years | $15,979 |
| 25 years | $18,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Southbury
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Southbury, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Southbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southbury
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Southbury is $8,879, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Southbury homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Southbury is the company you hire to install your solar panel 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $23,577 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $31,750 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,079 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $48,565 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,208 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $66,008 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $74,964 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $84,078 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Southbury, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Southbury is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Southbury?
Solar panels aren't free in Southbury, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Southbury have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.