Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westbrook, CT (2024 Update)
- Westbrook Solar Installation Cost: $11,907
- 25-Year Savings: $18,129
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westbrook
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westbrook.
In Westbrook, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Westbrook, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,907, or $17,027 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Westbrook can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Westbrook, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-6,375 |
| 5 years | $-2,687 |
| 7 years | $1,001 |
| 9 years | $4,689 |
| 11 years | $8,377 |
| 13 years | $12,065 |
| 15 years | $15,753 |
| 17 years | $19,441 |
| 19 years | $23,129 |
| 21 years | $26,817 |
| 23 years | $30,505 |
| 25 years | $34,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Westbrook
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Westbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westbrook
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Westbrook: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westbrook, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Westbrook homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Westbrook, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,361 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $26,235 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $33,318 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $40,612 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $48,115 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $55,829 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $63,753 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $71,886 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Westbrook, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Westbrook, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westbrook?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Westbrook?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Westbrook. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Westbrook is currently $514,967, so you could be looking at a value of about $21,114 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Westbrook is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.