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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 Vernon. 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 Vernon, Connecticut, requires you to hire a solar company that is certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've gathered a list of the leading solar companies in Vernon.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Vernon or go with an established national brand.
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy lets Vernon homeowners to save an average of $1,100 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
When looking into Vernon solar companies, look 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).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Vernon, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for considering solar energy:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price 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 opt for accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Vernon typically costs $12,322.
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Homeowners in Vernon who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
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.
Experts Ready to Help
Vernon homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all Connecticut residents, and others vary based on municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible solar incentives to 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 |
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. |
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must get proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage might affect the installation cost.
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space 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.
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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Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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