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10 best solar companies in Bristol, Connecticut
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Bristol. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Bristol, Connecticut, requires hiring a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the best solar companies in Bristol.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can choose a local Bristol solar company or use a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels require a big initial investment, you can reduce your energy expenses in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Bristol homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Ahead of arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Bristol
Focus your search on Bristol solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Savkat Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Ion Solar Pros
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Elite Energy Consulting
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
Everlast Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
EcoSmart Home Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Power Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Shoreline Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Earthlight Technologies
Solara Solar
Valley Solar
Aegis Solar Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Bristol?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Bristol, can still benefit from solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Bristol
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 Bristol?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Bristol has an average cost of $12,323.
How much can you save by going solar in Bristol?
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Bristol from going solar
In Bristol, you can anticipate saving money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Bristol's standard solar payback period is 11 years.
- Annual solar savings in Bristol: On average, Bristol homeowners can save $1,081 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $17,819 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Bristol from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated 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
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Bristol?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Bristol homeowners. Various programs are open to all Connecticut residents, though others change by municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are 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 |
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 Bristol solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
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 receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage can increase the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed 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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