Best 5 Solar Companies in Middletown, CT

With Middletown's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll highlight Middletown's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar installers near Middletown, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Middletown community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Middletown solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Middletown Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Middletown

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to remember while shopping for a solar specialist.

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 enroll with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so their customers can earn incentives. Solar companies can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown

Your solar modules' model will influence how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Middletown 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 find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Middletown

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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