Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor, CT (2024 Update)
- Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Windsor.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Windsor it’s 4 per watt.The average Windsor homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,323 with the federal tax credit, or $17,622 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Windsor depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Windsor can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windsor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,479 |
| 3 years | $-6,791 |
| 5 years | $-3,103 |
| 7 years | $585 |
| 9 years | $4,273 |
| 11 years | $7,961 |
| 13 years | $11,649 |
| 15 years | $15,337 |
| 17 years | $19,025 |
| 19 years | $22,713 |
| 21 years | $26,401 |
| 23 years | $30,089 |
| 25 years | $33,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Windsor
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Windsor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Windsor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Windsor, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $18,154 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,626 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,307 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,198 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,300 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,611 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,133 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,864 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Windsor, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Windsor?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 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.