Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratford, CT (2024 Update)
- Stratford Solar Installation Cost: $11,749
- 25-Year Savings: $24,927
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratford
We break down average solar pricing in Stratford.
In Stratford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Stratford, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,749, or $16,801 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $29,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stratford find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Stratford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stratford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,527 |
| 3 years | $-5,084 |
| 5 years | $-641 |
| 7 years | $3,802 |
| 9 years | $8,245 |
| 11 years | $12,688 |
| 13 years | $17,132 |
| 15 years | $21,575 |
| 17 years | $26,018 |
| 19 years | $30,461 |
| 21 years | $34,904 |
| 23 years | $39,347 |
| 25 years | $43,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratford
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Stratford, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Stratford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratford
There are many criteria 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,750.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Stratford, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate 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 installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Stratford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $28,796 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $38,814 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $49,043 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $59,481 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $70,130 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $80,988 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $92,057 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $103,335 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Stratford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Stratford, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stratford?
The average cost of solar panels in Stratford 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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.
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 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 $1,505.85 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Stratford?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.