Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreJoin more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Simsbury, Connecticut, you'll need to hire a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Simsbury to help you find the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Simsbury or use a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels need a big initial investment, you can lower your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Simsbury homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,100.
Different solar companies offer different services. Be sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Simsbury solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Simsbury, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in Simsbury is $12,323.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
In Simsbury, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Simsbury homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all Connecticut residents, whereas others depend on municipality, city and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to Connecticut residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | Varies (local option) |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | 100% of value added by renewable system |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems | 100% exemption |
Rebate Program Residential Solar Investment Program | Customer-owned (EPBB): Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W 10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%. Third-Party-Owned (PBI): Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years Minimum Design Factor 60% |
Green Building Incentive Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions | See Website |
Loan Program Smart-E loans | See Website |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products | 100% exemption |
Loan Program Energy Conservation Loan | Single family homes (1-4 family units): $25,000 Landlord Loan: $40,000 |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff | $98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation) |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff | $100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA |
Rebate Program (Electric and Gas) Residential Rebate Program | Ductless Heat Pump: $500 Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price Central A/C: $200 Air Source Heat Pumps: $500 Heat Pump Water Heater: $750 Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500 High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program | Locally determined |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, go over these important questions.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and may require bigger solar setups. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all residences get similar amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and severe weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarApr. 23
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMar. 27
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarMar. 25
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27