Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, CT (2023 Update)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $8,781
- 25-Year Savings: $21,388
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Westport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westport it's 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Westport is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,781 for a solar installation, or $12,557 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westport can save around $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,574 |
| 3 years | $-5,161 |
| 5 years | $-2,747 |
| 7 years | $-334 |
| 9 years | $2,080 |
| 11 years | $4,493 |
| 13 years | $6,907 |
| 15 years | $9,320 |
| 17 years | $11,734 |
| 19 years | $14,147 |
| 21 years | $16,561 |
| 23 years | $18,974 |
| 25 years | $21,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
Though the average cost of a solar system in Westport is $8,781, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,800. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Westport homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Westport homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Westport know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $28,211 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $37,929 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $47,803 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $57,834 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $68,022 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $78,366 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $88,868 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $99,526 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Westport, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westport?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality 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 expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westport?
A solar panel system isn'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 help lower the cost.
Does Westport have a net metering program?
Most states have 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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 needs 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 house 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.