Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor Locks, CT (2024 Update)
- Windsor Locks Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor Locks
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Windsor Locks.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Windsor Locks is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $12,323 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Windsor Locks homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Windsor Locks for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Windsor Locks
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 Locks
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Windsor Locks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor Locks
The cost of installing a solar system in Windsor Locks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Windsor Locks, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Windsor Locks, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 previous customers.
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 Windsor Locks, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor Locks?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Windsor Locks?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Windsor Locks?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Windsor Locks?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.