Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford, VT (2024 Update)
- Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $14,767
- 25-Year Savings: $22,749
- Payback Period: 10.9 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 Hartford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Hartford.
The average cost of a solar system in Hartford is 4 per watt.Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Hartford, the average price of going solar will be about $14,767 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Hartford based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Hartford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,406 |
| 3 years | $-10,685 |
| 5 years | $-7,963 |
| 7 years | $-5,241 |
| 9 years | $-2,519 |
| 11 years | $202 |
| 13 years | $2,924 |
| 15 years | $5,646 |
| 17 years | $8,368 |
| 19 years | $11,089 |
| 21 years | $13,811 |
| 23 years | $16,533 |
| 25 years | $19,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hartford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartford
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Hartford: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.The kind 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hartford average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hartford, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hartford, and each can charge different amounts 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.00 | $16,817 | $20,147 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $27,294 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $34,657 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $42,235 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $50,029 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $58,038 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $66,263 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $74,703 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Hartford, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hartford?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartford is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type 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 attractive choice, because it commonly 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,232.13 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 household 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.