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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 Windsor. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Windsor, Connecticut, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Windsor to help you find the right one.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Windsor or use an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Windsor homeowners to save an average of $1,100 every year.
Various solar companies offer different products. Be sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Search for Windsor 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 good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Keep an eye out for 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 fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Windsor, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar are:
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your system size, sunlight availability, shading, area, roof orientation and labor costs. Choosing extras such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will raise the overall cost.
In Windsor, solar panel installation costs approximately $12,323, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Homeowners in Windsor who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning 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
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Windsor. Certain programs extend to all Connecticut residents, while others depend on your city, municipality and utility company.
The following solar incentives are available for Connecticut residents, as listed in 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. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need bigger solar setups. 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 requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all residences get similar levels of sunlight. The tree density, precipitation levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
To conserve excess power, many panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential during storms and helps to mitigate power loss. However, adding battery storage could increase installation costs.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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