Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southbury, CT (2024 Update)
- Southbury Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $34,215
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southbury
We go over average solar pricing in Southbury.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Southbury is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Southbury is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,885 for a solar installation, or $16,996 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Southbury based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Southbury see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized 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 | $-10,041 |
| 3 years | $-6,353 |
| 5 years | $-2,665 |
| 7 years | $1,023 |
| 9 years | $4,711 |
| 11 years | $8,399 |
| 13 years | $12,087 |
| 15 years | $15,775 |
| 17 years | $19,463 |
| 19 years | $23,151 |
| 21 years | $26,839 |
| 23 years | $30,527 |
| 25 years | $34,215 |
Top Solar Installers in Southbury
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company 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
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 Southbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southbury
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Southbury, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Southbury average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Southbury homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Southbury, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $19,427 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,323 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,429 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,745 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,270 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $56,006 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $63,952 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $72,108 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Southbury, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Southbury 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 house 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.