10 best solar companies in Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, Connecticut requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of top solar companies in Fairfield to help you choose the perfect installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, review potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can go with a local Fairfield solar company or select an established 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 decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Fairfield homeowners to save an average of $1,200 annually.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Fairfield
When looking into Fairfield solar companies, search for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower
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SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
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Sunrun Solar
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Empower Energy Solutions
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PurePoint Energy
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Helio Energy Solutions
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Long Island Power Solutions
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SUNation Energy
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Hytech Home
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Solara Solar
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Fairfield?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Fairfield, 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 best certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Fairfield
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 Fairfield?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost increases if you select any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Fairfield averages around $11,749.
How much can you save by going solar in Fairfield?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Money savings in Fairfield from going solar
Homeowners in Fairfield who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Fairfield's average payback period for solar is 9 years.
- Annual solar savings in Fairfield: Based on numbers that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Fairfield homeowners save around $1,244 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $22,317 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Fairfield from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 41 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1025 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Fairfield?
Fairfield homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all Connecticut residents, and others differ based on municipality, city and utility company.
Here are solar incentives offered to Connecticut residents, according to 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 Fairfield solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive homes 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 regulations. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
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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