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Best 5 Solar Companies in Norwich, CT

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Norwich homeowners are purposeful about conserving resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,300 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll highlight Norwich's leading solar companies and give valuable advice for your solar journey.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • Provides system monitoring
  • Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
  • Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Best Solar Panel Installation
4.4
  • Offers 7 panel brand options
  • 25-year workmanship warranty
  • Offers battery options

Top Norwich Solar Companies

CT Solar Solutions / SunPower Logo

CT Solar Solutions / SunPower

4.3/5
Based on 32 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel Installation

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
22 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 860-964-3035 ctsolarsolutions.com
Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer Logo

Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer

4.7/5
Based on 35 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tesla PowerwallCleaning And MaintenanceBattery StorageFinancing AssistanceConsultationPanel InstallationSkilled Repairs

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Reliable customer support
  • Clear pricing policy
20 Tuttle Pl Suite 7, Middletown, CT 860-341-5001 solarinstallationcontractor.com
Earthlight Technologies Logo

Earthlight Technologies

4.6/5
Based on 192 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tesla PowerwallBattery StoragePanel InstallationSkilled RepairsConsultation

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Prompt service delivery
128 West Rd, Ellington, CT 860-871-9700 earthlighttech.com
Elite Energy Consulting Logo

Elite Energy Consulting

4.3/5
Based on 214 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationPanel Installation

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
28 Belamose Ave, Rocky Hill, CT 475-977-3358 eliteenergyconsulting.com

More Local Solar Companies

Everlast Energy

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1344 Silas Deane Hwy Suite 515
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Rooftop Power

User Reviews: 5/5 

275 W Natick Rd Suite 800
Warwick, RI 02886

Green Power Energy

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

42 Ozick Dr Suite 3
Durham, CT 06422

Gansett Solar

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

118 Point Judith Rd UNIT 5
Narragansett, RI 02882

EcoSmart Home Services

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

105A Clark Dr
East Berlin, CT 06023

DO IT RIGHT SOLAR

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

150 Cornell St
Cranston, RI 02920

Aegis Solar Energy

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

81 School Ground Rd
Branford, CT 06405

Neighborhood Solar

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

140 Spring St
Newport, RI 02840

Sunwatt Solar

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1005 Main St #2129
Pawtucket, RI 02860

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Norwich solar companies.

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Facts about Norwich
Average Max Temp:57°F
Solar Payback Period:9.4 years
Average Daily Sunlight:54%
Homes Powered by Solar:248
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,767
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

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This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

  • Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
  • Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
  • Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Norwich Homeowners?

Connecticut homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies (local option)

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% of value added by renewable system

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: gosolarct.com

Incentive Amount:

Customer-owned (EPBB):
Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W
10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W
Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%.

Third-Party-Owned (PBI):
Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years
Minimum Design Factor 60%

Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive

Website: ctgreenbank.com

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: ctgreenbank.com

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: capitalforchange.org

Incentive Amount:

Single family homes (1-4 family units): $25,000
Landlord Loan: $40,000

Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: uinet.com

Incentive Amount:

$98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation)

Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: eversource.com

Incentive Amount:

$100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energizect.com

Incentive Amount:

Ductless Heat Pump: $500
Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Central A/C: $200
Air Source Heat Pumps: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $750
Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500
High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Website: cpace.com

Incentive Amount:

Locally determined

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: norwichpublicutilities.com

Incentive Amount:

Electric Water Heaters: $60
Window Air Conditioners: $60
Single Package and Split System Unitary AC Equipment: $200-$300/ton
Air Source Heat Pump Equipment: $200-$300/ton
Water/Ground Source Heat Pump Equipment: $150/ton

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Norwich

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

In Connecticut, a journeyman 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Norwich

Your solar modules' style will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $18,750 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Norwich. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,115
Solar Polycrystalline$869
Thin-Film$508
Solar Battery$713
Solar Home EV Charger$2,675

Financing Solar Energy in Norwich

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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 multiple 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 Norwich.

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

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW1.9 years
2 kW3.8 years
5 kW9.4 years
10 kW18.9 years

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Norwich

How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?

Most Norwich homeowners spend about $1,767 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,316.48 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.

How widespread is solar energy in Norwich?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Norwich. A growing number of area homes are already using solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Connecticut has about 2234 jobs comprising its solar economy.

Will a solar PV system improve my Norwich home price?

Yes, solar panels will raise your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value increases by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.

How can I check my home's solar feasibility?

One common way to calculate your home's solar viability is by using PVWatts. This powerful free tool considers panel efficiency, tree cover, local weather and topography, and system size to determine how much electricity your array could generate. However, it's not a substitute for consulting with a local solar installation company, who can build a full estimate with the most updated data.

How do I care for my new solar system?

Solar panels don't need much maintenance to keep working for your home. All you'll need to do is inspect and clean the panels every six months or as necessary in dusty seasons. Solar providers frequently offer maintenance packages to help you in your system's care.

What's the average solar system size in Norwich?

The average Norwich solar system size is 4.5 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your household's electricity usage. Your surrounding shading, roof size, and panel model could also impact your final result. A professional solar contractor will consider these factors and determine the right system size for your home.

What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?

Even the most renowned Norwich solar installers will have both favorable and negative reviews. To make the most informed selection possible, focus on these warning signs to know if a company isn't worth your attention:
  • Aggressive sales pitch
  • Dodging questions about cost, warranties, references and training and credentials
  • Inflexible options
  • Not thoroughly inspecting your site
  • Limited customer feedback

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Sources