Best 5 Solar Companies in East Hartford, CT

The East Hartford community is committed to preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for an exceptional installer. In this article, we'll showcase East Hartford's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of East Hartford solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the superior:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most East Hartford solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the East Hartford community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to East Hartford Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in East Hartford

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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 sign up with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so their customers can earn incentives. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in East Hartford

Your solar panels' model will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of East Hartford and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,750 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in East Hartford

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin 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. Speak with each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments 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