Best 5 Solar Companies in New Haven, CT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in New Haven

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while searching for a solar installer.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 New Haven

Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

Most New Haven homeowners opt for solar systems rated 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 New Haven

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 cut 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.