Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the most dependable solar installation companies in Winchester. These top installers offer high-quality and dependable services.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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 cut 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.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. 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 enroll with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so that their customers can earn incentives.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Going solar can help lower your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
In Winchester, solar panels cost an average of $3,750 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 4.7 kilowatts. The typical Winchester homeowner spends $12,323 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's required preliminary work, panel type, size, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to 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) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Winchester can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Of course. The grid in Winchester already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
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 Winchester amount to $1,081.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar contractor might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Winchester. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
