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

  • Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,827
  • 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 May 04, 2023

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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 Vernon

We go over average solar pricing in Vernon.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vernon it's 2.8 per watt. Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Vernon, the average price of going solar will be about $9,192 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

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 multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vernon find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Vernon for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Vernon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,112
3 years $-5,950
5 years $-3,789
7 years $-1,627
9 years $535
11 years $2,696
13 years $4,858
15 years $7,019
17 years $9,181
19 years $11,342
21 years $13,504
23 years $15,666
25 years $17,827

Top Solar Installers in Vernon

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Vernon, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Vernon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon

For many Vernon homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vernon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Vernon, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Vernon homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Vernon are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through 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.
  • 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 do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.

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 Vernon, CT Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

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

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

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

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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