Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford, MI (2023 Update)
- Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $11,415
- 25-Year Savings: $19,881
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hartford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hartford, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average Hartford homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,409 with the federal tax credit, or $16,315 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Hartford depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Hartford homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Hartford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,171 |
| 3 years | $-7,683 |
| 5 years | $-5,195 |
| 7 years | $-2,708 |
| 9 years | $-220 |
| 11 years | $2,268 |
| 13 years | $4,756 |
| 15 years | $7,244 |
| 17 years | $9,732 |
| 19 years | $12,220 |
| 21 years | $14,708 |
| 23 years | $17,196 |
| 25 years | $19,683 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Hartford, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Hartford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartford
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,810. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hartford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hartford to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Hartford, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hartford have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,083 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,092 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,258 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $41,582 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $49,063 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $56,702 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $64,497 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $72,451 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Hartford, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hartford?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartford is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hartford?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hartford is currently $104,047, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,266 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hartford is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Hartford?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.