Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tolland, CT (2024 Update)
- Tolland Solar Installation Cost: $12,322
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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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 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $12,322 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tolland find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tolland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,478 |
| 3 years | $-6,790 |
| 5 years | $-3,102 |
| 7 years | $586 |
| 9 years | $4,274 |
| 11 years | $7,962 |
| 13 years | $11,650 |
| 15 years | $15,338 |
| 17 years | $19,026 |
| 19 years | $22,714 |
| 21 years | $26,402 |
| 23 years | $30,090 |
| 25 years | $33,778 |
Top Solar Installers in Tolland
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Tolland, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tolland to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Tolland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.90 | $16,380 | $18,156 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,629 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,311 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,203 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,305 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,617 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,139 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,872 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Tolland?
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 amount 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.