Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thomaston, CT (2023 Update)
- Thomaston Solar Installation Cost: $9,201
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thomaston
We break down average solar pricing in Thomaston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Thomaston, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.8 per watt. The average Thomaston homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,192 with the federal tax credit, or $13,145 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Thomaston based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Thomaston find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thomaston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,111 |
| 3 years | $-8,931 |
| 5 years | $-8,751 |
| 7 years | $-8,570 |
| 9 years | $-8,390 |
| 11 years | $-8,210 |
| 13 years | $-8,030 |
| 15 years | $-7,850 |
| 17 years | $-7,670 |
| 19 years | $-7,490 |
| 21 years | $-7,309 |
| 23 years | $-7,129 |
| 25 years | $-6,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Thomaston
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Thomaston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thomaston
The cost of installing a solar system in Thomaston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $2,800. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Thomaston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
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 Thomaston is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 car 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 | $22,304 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,052 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,957 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,019 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,238 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,614 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,146 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,835 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer 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 some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean 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 research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Thomaston, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thomaston?
The average cost of solar panels in Thomaston is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Thomaston?
Solar panels aren't free in Thomaston, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Thomaston is currently $221,400, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,077 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Thomaston is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.