Best 5 Solar Companies in Fairfield, CT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fairfield

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these elements in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

In Connecticut, a professional 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. Solar companies can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

A majority of Fairfield homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $18,750 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Fairfield

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), 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 runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

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