Best 5 Solar Companies in Bristol, CT

The Bristol community is purposeful about protecting the environment and living greener lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Bristol's top-rated solar companies and learn essential decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Bristol, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Bristol solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Bristol community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bristol Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bristol

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Consider each of these elements in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

In Connecticut, an installer meeting minimum experience requirements can take an exam to become a licensed solar PV or thermal contractor. Once they're licensed, they'll need to register with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so their customers can earn incentives. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $18,750 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Bristol. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Bristol solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Bristol

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bristol.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy