Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
- 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 Trumbull Homeowners?
Connecticut homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. 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.comIncentive 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.comIncentive Type: Loan Program
Website: ctgreenbank.comIncentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: capitalforchange.orgIncentive Amount:
Single family homes (1-4 family units): $25,000
Landlord Loan: $40,000
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: uinet.comIncentive Amount:
$98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation)
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: eversource.comIncentive Amount:
$100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: capitalforchange.orgIncentive Amount:
$25,000
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energizect.comIncentive 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.comIncentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive 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 Trumbull
The price and performance of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Consider each of these factors in your business search.
Licensing and Training
In Connecticut, a professional 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 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 credentials. 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 Trumbull
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar company includes these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Trumbull and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,750 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,204 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $939 |
Thin-Film | $549 |
Solar Battery | $771 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,890 |
Financing Solar Energy in Trumbull
Solar installers offer 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), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. We advise making a cash payment or using 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 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, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and secure 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 Trumbull.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 1.9 years |
2 kW | 3.8 years |
5 kW | 9.4 years |
10 kW | 18.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Trumbull
How much money could I save by going solar in Trumbull?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Trumbull?
Will solar panels boost my Trumbull home price?
How long is a Trumbull solar panel's average lifespan?
What's the average solar system size in Trumbull?
What is the average payback period for Trumbull solar panels?
How can I boost my solar system's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.