Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thompson, CT (Mar 2023)
- Thompson Solar Installation Cost: $9,153
- 25-Year Savings: $17,866
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thompson
We go over average solar pricing in Thompson.
The average cost of a solar system in Thompson is 2.8 per watt. The average Thompson homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,153 with the federal tax credit, or $13,089 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Thompson find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Thompson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thompson
| 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 Thompson
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Thompson:
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 Thompson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thompson
There are many factors that can play into 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Thompson to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Thompson, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $22,450 | 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions 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.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Thompson, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thompson?
The average cost of solar panels in Thompson 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Thompson have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.