Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westbrook, CT (Mar 2023)
- Westbrook Solar Installation Cost: $8,898
- 25-Year Savings: $18,121
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westbrook
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Westbrook.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westbrook, the average cost of solar panels is 2.8 per watt. To account for 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 $8,898, or $12,724 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westbrook can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Westbrook that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,818 |
| 3 years | $-5,656 |
| 5 years | $-3,494 |
| 7 years | $-1,333 |
| 9 years | $829 |
| 11 years | $2,990 |
| 13 years | $5,152 |
| 15 years | $7,313 |
| 17 years | $9,475 |
| 19 years | $11,636 |
| 21 years | $13,798 |
| 23 years | $15,960 |
| 25 years | $18,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Westbrook
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Westbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westbrook
The cost of installing a solar system in Westbrook can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,800. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Westbrook, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Westbrook, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $23,511 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $31,661 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $39,968 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $48,432 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $57,053 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $65,831 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $74,765 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $83,856 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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.
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 Westbrook, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westbrook?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,191.36 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 household 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.