Best 5 Solar Companies in Stamford, CT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Stamford

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. 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 sign up 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 accreditations. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Stamford

Your solar modules' type will influence 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 are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Stamford

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We advise 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid 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) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.