Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tolland, CT (2023 Update)

  • Tolland Solar Installation Cost: $9,200
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,819
  • Payback Period: 8.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tolland

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Tolland.

In Tolland, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Tolland, the average price of going solar will be about $9,192 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tolland homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tolland find investing in solar can pay off big.

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 Tolland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,356
3 years $-3,668
5 years $20
7 years $3,708
9 years $7,396
11 years $11,084
13 years $14,772
15 years $18,460
17 years $22,148
19 years $25,836
21 years $29,524
23 years $33,212
25 years $36,900

Top Solar Installers in Tolland

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Tolland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tolland

Although the average cost of a solar system in Tolland is $9,192, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,800. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Tolland, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Tolland have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Tolland, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tolland have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $22,306 8.9 years
8 kW $2.86 $15,994 $30,055 8.7 years
10 kW $2.80 $19,600 $37,961 8.5 years
12 kW $2.74 $23,050 $46,023 8.3 years
14 kW $2.69 $26,342 $54,243 8.2 years
16 kW $2.63 $29,478 $62,619 8.0 years
18 kW $2.58 $32,458 $71,152 7.8 years
20 kW $2.52 $35,280 $79,842 7.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer 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.
  • Contract: When looking over 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Tolland, CT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tolland?

The average cost of solar panels in Tolland 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important 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.

Is it worth going solar in Tolland?

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 electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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