Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Tolland homes. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation companies in Tolland.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners reduce utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. 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 enroll with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so that their customers can earn incentives.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact at least three solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Switching to solar power can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Tolland depends on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system will cost $3,750 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Tolland are 4.7 kilowatts, and the typical Tolland homeowners spends $12,322 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
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 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: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Tolland amount to $1,081.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and the average sunlight in your area. Tolland gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 11.4 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Tolland area offer multipoint maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
The best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Tolland. However, if you have a limited budget, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
