Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stonington, CT (2023 Update)
- Stonington Solar Installation Cost: $8,859
- 25-Year Savings: $18,255
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stonington
We break down average solar pricing in Stonington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stonington generally cost about 2.8. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $8,859 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Stonington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Stonington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,775 |
| 3 years | $-5,606 |
| 5 years | $-3,436 |
| 7 years | $-1,267 |
| 9 years | $902 |
| 11 years | $3,071 |
| 13 years | $5,240 |
| 15 years | $7,409 |
| 17 years | $9,578 |
| 19 years | $11,747 |
| 21 years | $13,916 |
| 23 years | $16,085 |
| 25 years | $18,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Stonington
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Stonington:
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 Stonington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stonington
There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Stonington, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Stonington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Stonington offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Stonington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $23,788 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $32,031 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $40,430 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $48,987 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,700 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $66,570 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $75,597 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $84,780 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total 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, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Stonington, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stonington?
The average cost of solar panels in Stonington 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Stonington?
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 higher level 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.