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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Danbury, Connecticut, requires hiring a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar panel companies in Danbury.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and request multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Danbury or select a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy allows Danbury homeowners to save about $1,100 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
When evaluating Danbury solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Danbury, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
Per a survey we carried out in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Danbury, solar panel installation costs around $11,749, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA.
While installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
Homeowners in Danbury 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.
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated 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
Danbury homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are available statewide to all Connecticut residents, and others differ based on municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible 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 |
Loan Program Energy Efficiency Fund (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Financing | $25,000 |
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. |
Consider these questions before hiring a solar installation expert.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use 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.
Required permits and local or state regulations could influence your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage might affect the cost of installation.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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