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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Southington, Connecticut, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Southington to help you find the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Southington or use a well-known national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that changing to solar energy enables Southington homeowners to save an average of $1,100 annually.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
When looking into Southington solar companies, search for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Southington, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you select any add-ons like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Based on numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Southington has an average cost of $12,323.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Homeowners in Southington who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Southington homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are provided statewide to all Connecticut residents, whereas others depend on municipality, utility company and city.
Available solar incentives to Connecticut homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
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 think through these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire house.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be helpful for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which 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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