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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 South Windsor. 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 South Windsor, Connecticut, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To assist your search for the right installer, we've compiled a list of the top solar companies in South Windsor.
Before selecting an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in South Windsor or pick an established national brand.
Even though solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables South Windsor homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Look for South Windsor solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Watch for frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like South Windsor, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your system size, sunlight availability, area, shading, roof orientation and labor costs. Opting for extras such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in South Windsor has an average cost of $12,323.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
In South Windsor, you can expect to save money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and minimizes 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.
Experts Ready to Help
South Windsor homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all Connecticut residents, whereas others vary based on city, municipality 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 |
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 size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be helpful for preventing power loss during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
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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