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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 Guilford. 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 Guilford, Connecticut, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Guilford.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Guilford or select a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy enables Guilford homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,200.
Various solar companies provide different products. Be sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Guilford solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Guilford, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the typical price to install solar panels in Guilford is $11,885.
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
After fully switching to solar power, Guilford homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also decreases 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.
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Homeowners in Guilford can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all Connecticut residents, and others are determined by your utility company, city and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives for Connecticut homeowners, per 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. |
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these important questions.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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.
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