Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, CT (2024 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
We break down average solar pricing in Bristol.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bristol generally cost around 4.The average Bristol homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,323 with the federal tax credit, or $17,622 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Bristol homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,479 |
| 3 years | $-6,791 |
| 5 years | $-3,103 |
| 7 years | $585 |
| 9 years | $4,273 |
| 11 years | $7,961 |
| 13 years | $11,649 |
| 15 years | $15,337 |
| 17 years | $19,025 |
| 19 years | $22,713 |
| 21 years | $26,401 |
| 23 years | $30,089 |
| 25 years | $33,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,750 per kilowatt in Bristol.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bristol average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bristol provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bristol homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Bristol, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.90 | $16,380 | $18,154 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,626 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,307 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,198 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,300 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,611 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,133 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,864 | 10.3 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Bristol, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bristol?
The average cost of solar panels in Bristol is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bristol?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bristol. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bristol, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of 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 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.