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

  • Trumbull Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,579
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Trumbull

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Trumbull.

In Trumbull, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. The average Trumbull homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,781 with the federal tax credit, or $12,557 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Trumbull homeowner can save around $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Trumbull for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Trumbull

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,566
3 years $-5,138
5 years $-2,709
7 years $-280
9 years $2,149
11 years $4,577
13 years $7,006
15 years $9,435
17 years $11,864
19 years $14,293
21 years $16,721
23 years $19,150
25 years $21,579

Top Solar Installers in Trumbull

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Trumbull

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trumbull

Though the average cost of a solar system in Trumbull is $8,781, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes 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 get 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 a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Trumbull homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Trumbull, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Trumbull are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $28,468 7.5 years
8 kW $2.86 $15,994 $38,270 7.4 years
10 kW $2.80 $19,600 $48,230 7.2 years
12 kW $2.74 $23,050 $58,346 7.1 years
14 kW $2.69 $26,342 $68,620 6.9 years
16 kW $2.63 $29,478 $79,050 6.8 years
18 kW $2.58 $32,458 $89,636 6.6 years
20 kW $2.52 $35,280 $100,380 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Trumbull, CT Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Trumbull is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Trumbull?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Trumbull?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.

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