Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in West Hartford, Connecticut, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've put together a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in West Hartford.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can go with a local solar company in West Hartford or opt for an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy allows West Hartford homeowners to save an average of $1,100 every year.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Focus your search on West Hartford solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like West Hartford, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you choose any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In West Hartford, solar panel installation costs around $12,323, per data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
In West Hartford, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
West Hartford homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all Connecticut residents, while others depend on municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Connecticut residents, as listed in DSIRE:
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. |
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
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 schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only affect 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
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