Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, CT (2023 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $9,153
- 25-Year Savings: $17,866
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sterling.
The average cost of a solar system in Sterling is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sterling is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,153 for a solar installation, or $13,089 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Sterling based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Sterling homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,072 |
| 3 years | $-5,911 |
| 5 years | $-3,749 |
| 7 years | $-1,588 |
| 9 years | $574 |
| 11 years | $2,735 |
| 13 years | $4,897 |
| 15 years | $7,058 |
| 17 years | $9,220 |
| 19 years | $11,382 |
| 21 years | $13,543 |
| 23 years | $15,705 |
| 25 years | $17,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Sterling, we've put together 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 Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
For many Sterling homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sterling, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Sterling, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sterling, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sterling is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,450 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,247 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $38,201 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,311 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,579 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $63,003 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,584 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $80,322 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Sterling, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely 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 Sterling?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sterling?
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.