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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Hartford.
The average cost of solar panels in Hartford is 4 per watt.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs 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 prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Hartford can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Hartford homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hartford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 $3,850. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hartford, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hartford have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hartford homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Hartford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
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: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hartford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hartford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 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.