Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Every year, more Norwalk homeowners install rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and add value to their property. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar installers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Norwalk. These proven and dependable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
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Informative resources
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Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Ohio may require a solar company to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For residential work, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar installers. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Norwalk solar array has a capacity of 6.9 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,410 per kilowatt; the average Norwalk homeowners spends about $16,530 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for factors such as the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Low-interest, 30-year loan
Incentive Amount:
Refrigerator/Freezer: $100
Dishwasher/Clothes Washer: $50
Dehumidifier: $25
Water Heaters: $150-$300
Water Heater Replacement: $150
RCS Load Management Device: $50
Geothermal System: $700-$800
Heat Pump: $400-$500
Dual Fuel Geothermal or Heat Pump System:$200-$300
Ductless/Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300
PeakBuster Air Conditioning Incentive: $100
Air Sealing: $400 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower)
Insulation: $800 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower)
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
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 Norwalk amount to $1,200.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the average sunlight in your area, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Norwalk gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 13.8 years per 5 kW of capacity.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in wet or dark 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 best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Norwalk. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, 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.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can generate and manage energy under more conditions.
