Best 5 Solar Companies in Hamden, CT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hamden

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

In Connecticut, a professional who meet minimum experience requirements can take an exam to become a licensed solar PV or thermal contractor. Once they're licensed, they'll need to enroll 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 Hamden

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Hamden

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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 second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $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, 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 advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.