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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 West Hartford. 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 West Hartford, Connecticut, requires a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar companies in West Hartford.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in West Hartford or opt for a leading national brand.
While solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy enables West Hartford homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,100.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Seek out West Hartford solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of repeated 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.
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as West Hartford, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, installing solar panels in West Hartford averages around $12,323.
Although installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
In West Hartford, you can expect to save money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
West Hartford homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are provided statewide to all Connecticut residents, whereas others differ based on municipality, city and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available 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. |
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't big enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The extra battery storage might bump up the cost of installation.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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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