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10 best solar companies in Cheshire, 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 Cheshire. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Cheshire, Connecticut, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To assist your search for the best installer, we've put together a list of the top solar companies in Cheshire.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for you. You can go with a local Cheshire solar company or choose a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Cheshire homeowners to save around $1,200 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Cheshire
Search for Cheshire solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Savkat Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Power Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Ion Solar Pros
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Shoreline Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Elite Energy Consulting
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
EcoSmart Home Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Everlast Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Aegis Solar Energy
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.
Helio Energy Solutions
Solara Solar
Earthlight Technologies
Empower Energy Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Cheshire?
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Cheshire, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best assurance that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity bought from utility companies.
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?
Per a survey we administered 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 alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you choose add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in Cheshire has an average cost of $11,885.
How much can you save by going solar in Cheshire?
While solar panel installation can be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Cheshire from going solar
Homeowners in Cheshire who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup 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 is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Cheshire's standard solar payback period is 10 years.
- Annual solar savings in Cheshire: On average, Cheshire homeowners can save $1,160 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $20,117 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Cheshire from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Cheshire?
Multiple solar incentives are available to Cheshire homeowners. Various programs are open to all Connecticut residents, whereas others change by utility company, city and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for Connecticut residents:
| 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?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, reflect on these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire 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 acquire proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall 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?
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, adding 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 differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly 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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