Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford Springs, CT (Mar 2023)
- Stafford Springs Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
- 25-Year Savings: $17,827
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford Springs
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Stafford Springs.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stafford Springs, the average cost of solar panels is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Stafford Springs is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,192 for a solar installation, or $13,145 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Stafford Springs, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stafford Springs
| 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 Stafford Springs
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Stafford Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford Springs
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Stafford Springs: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Stafford Springs homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Stafford Springs homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Stafford Springs' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $22,306 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,055 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,961 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,023 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,243 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,619 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,152 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,842 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company'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 if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Stafford Springs, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stafford Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Stafford Springs is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Stafford Springs?
You can't get solar panels for free in Stafford Springs. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Stafford Springs have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.