Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wallingford, CT (2024 Update)
- Wallingford Solar Installation Cost: $11,885
- 25-Year Savings: $20,117
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wallingford
We go over average solar pricing in Wallingford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wallingford it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Wallingford, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,885, or $16,996 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Wallingford depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Wallingford can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wallingford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,852 |
| 3 years | $-5,786 |
| 5 years | $-1,721 |
| 7 years | $2,345 |
| 9 years | $6,411 |
| 11 years | $10,476 |
| 13 years | $14,542 |
| 15 years | $18,607 |
| 17 years | $22,673 |
| 19 years | $26,738 |
| 21 years | $30,804 |
| 23 years | $34,870 |
| 25 years | $38,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Wallingford
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Wallingford, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Wallingford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wallingford
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wallingford to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Wallingford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Wallingford 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 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $22,039 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $29,806 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $37,782 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $45,968 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $54,365 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $62,971 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $71,788 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $80,814 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Wallingford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wallingford?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other 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 efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Wallingford have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.