Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratford, CT (2023 Update)
- Stratford Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $24,919
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratford
See how much it might cost to go solar in Stratford.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Stratford is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Stratford is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,781 for a solar installation, or $12,557 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Stratford based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $29,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stratford find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Stratford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Stratford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,433 |
| 3 years | $-4,737 |
| 5 years | $-2,041 |
| 7 years | $655 |
| 9 years | $3,351 |
| 11 years | $6,047 |
| 13 years | $8,743 |
| 15 years | $11,439 |
| 17 years | $14,135 |
| 19 years | $16,831 |
| 21 years | $19,527 |
| 23 years | $22,223 |
| 25 years | $24,919 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratford
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Stratford, 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 Stratford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratford
For many Stratford homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stratford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Stratford, 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 total cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 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 | $32,945 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $44,240 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $55,693 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $67,301 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $79,067 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $90,990 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $103,069 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $115,305 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Stratford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stratford?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Stratford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.