Best 5 Solar Companies in Hartford, CT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hartford

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that installed them. Here are some essential aspects to remember while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

In Connecticut, a journeyman 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 register with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so their customers can earn incentives. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford

The kind of solar panels you purchase decides how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional system add-ons, 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 companies provide these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Hartford and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,750 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Hartford

Choosing the optimal financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

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

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.