Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wallingford Center, CT (Mar 2023)
- Wallingford Center Solar Installation Cost: $8,879
- 25-Year Savings: $20,112
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wallingford Center
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Wallingford Center.
In Wallingford Center, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $8,879 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Wallingford Center homeowner can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wallingford Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,719 |
| 3 years | $-5,400 |
| 5 years | $-3,081 |
| 7 years | $-761 |
| 9 years | $1,558 |
| 11 years | $3,877 |
| 13 years | $6,196 |
| 15 years | $8,516 |
| 17 years | $10,835 |
| 19 years | $13,154 |
| 21 years | $15,473 |
| 23 years | $17,792 |
| 25 years | $20,112 |
Top Solar Installers in Wallingford Center
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Wallingford Center:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Wallingford Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wallingford Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Wallingford Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Wallingford Center, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,800 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Wallingford Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Wallingford Center homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $26,189 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $35,232 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $44,432 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $53,789 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $63,302 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $72,973 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $82,800 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $92,784 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Wallingford Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Wallingford Center, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wallingford Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Wallingford Center 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wallingford Center?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wallingford Center?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Wallingford Center?
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 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.