Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford, WI (2023 Update)
- Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $13,159
- 25-Year Savings: $22,877
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hartford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hartford generally cost around 2.6. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,159 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Hartford based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Hartford homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Hartford for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,717 |
| 3 years | $-8,834 |
| 5 years | $-5,951 |
| 7 years | $-3,069 |
| 9 years | $-186 |
| 11 years | $2,697 |
| 13 years | $5,580 |
| 15 years | $8,463 |
| 17 years | $11,346 |
| 19 years | $14,229 |
| 21 years | $17,111 |
| 23 years | $19,994 |
| 25 years | $22,877 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Hartford, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Hartford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartford
There are many factors that can determine 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hartford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, like 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 prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. While 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Hartford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,558 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,035 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,658 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,426 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,340 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,399 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,605 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,955 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Hartford, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hartford?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 $237,112, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,722 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hartford is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.