Best 5 Solar Companies in Norwalk, CT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Norwalk

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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 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 industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Norwalk

The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Most Norwalk homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,750 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Norwalk

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.