Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford, CT (2024 Update)
- Stafford Solar Installation Cost: $12,322
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford
We go over average solar pricing in Stafford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stafford it’s 4 per watt.The average Stafford homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,322 with the federal tax credit, or $17,620 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Stafford homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Stafford homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Stafford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stafford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,478 |
| 3 years | $-6,790 |
| 5 years | $-3,102 |
| 7 years | $586 |
| 9 years | $4,274 |
| 11 years | $7,962 |
| 13 years | $11,650 |
| 15 years | $15,338 |
| 17 years | $19,026 |
| 19 years | $22,714 |
| 21 years | $26,402 |
| 23 years | $30,090 |
| 25 years | $33,778 |
Top Solar Installers in Stafford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer 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 Stafford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Stafford: 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 size of the solar system you need for your household, 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stafford to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Stafford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $18,156 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,629 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,311 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,203 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,305 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,617 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,139 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,872 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Stafford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stafford?
The average cost of solar panels in Stafford is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stafford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Stafford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Stafford?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.