Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, CT (2024 Update)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $21,396
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Westport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westport it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,749 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Westport based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,905 |
| 3 years | $-6,217 |
| 5 years | $-2,529 |
| 7 years | $1,159 |
| 9 years | $4,847 |
| 11 years | $8,535 |
| 13 years | $12,223 |
| 15 years | $15,911 |
| 17 years | $19,599 |
| 19 years | $23,287 |
| 21 years | $26,975 |
| 23 years | $30,663 |
| 25 years | $34,351 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Westport, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Westport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Westport, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Westport know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 end up saving you 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 | $24,062 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $32,502 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $41,153 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $50,014 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $59,084 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $68,365 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $77,855 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $87,556 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Westport, 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:
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, 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 Westport, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westport?
The average cost of solar panels in Westport is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Westport?
Solar panels aren’t free in Westport, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your 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 Westport is currently $1,629,431, which means you can look forward to a value of about $66,807 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Westport is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically 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.