10 best solar companies in Cheshire, Connecticut
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 Cheshire, Connecticut, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the leading solar installers in Cheshire.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and get multiple quotes to determine the best company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Cheshire or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While putting in solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Cheshire homeowners to save an average of $1,200 every year.
Different solar companies provide different products. Be sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Cheshire
When researching Cheshire 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 good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower
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Savkat Solar
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Green Power Energy
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Ion Solar Pros
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Elite Energy Consulting
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Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer
Services Offered
EcoSmart Home Services
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Everlast Energy
Services Offered
Sunlight Solar Energy
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Aegis Solar Energy
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Cheshire?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Cheshire, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar energy lets you cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
Facts about Cheshire
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cheshire?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Cheshire, solar panel installation costs around $11,885, based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in Cheshire?
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Cheshire from going solar
In Cheshire, 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 impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Cheshire is around 10 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Cheshire: Homeowners in Cheshire typically save around $1,160 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our findings using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,117 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Cheshire from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Cheshire?
Homeowners in Cheshire can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Connecticut residents, and others are determined by your city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to Connecticut residents, as listed by 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 |
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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Cheshire solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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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