Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford, WI (2024 Update)
- Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $19,630
- 25-Year Savings: $22,881
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hartford.
In Hartford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $19,630 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Hartford depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Hartford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,335 |
| 3 years | $-15,744 |
| 5 years | $-13,153 |
| 7 years | $-10,562 |
| 9 years | $-7,971 |
| 11 years | $-5,380 |
| 13 years | $-2,789 |
| 15 years | $-198 |
| 17 years | $2,393 |
| 19 years | $4,984 |
| 21 years | $7,575 |
| 23 years | $10,166 |
| 25 years | $12,757 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hartford, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing 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 size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 $3,880. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hartford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hartford homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Hartford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,967 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,724 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,698 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,889 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,298 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,924 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,767 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,827 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hartford?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartford is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.