When you choose solar panel installation for your home in Hartford or New Haven, CT, your panels harness solar energy that your home consumes through its electrical system. Through an inverter, often on the back of every solar panel on your roof, solar energy from the sun, which is DC energy, is converted into AC energy, which your home uses to power everything from everyday appliances to your entire HVAC system.

This may seem complex, but with F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling electrical experts, you’ll understand how your home will benefit from installing high-quality solar panels.

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Choose the Right Solar Panel for Installation

Does it really matter what types of panels you choose for your next solar panel installation? It does! Settling for standard or subpar solar panels could result in less solar energy production over time and may decrease the usefulness and lifespan of your solar energy experience.

Designed to facilitate a continuous flow of electrical current, standard solar panels will often bypass any parts of a panel that become shaded, which impacts its ability to generate electricity. In standard panels, these are called bypass diodes, which, with repeated activation, can wear out over time and result in the unmitigated heating of solar cells. This inadvertently causes hot spots to form, which causes irreversible damage to the cells and panel materials. Additionally, these hot spots are particularly dangerous should any dry brush or debris fall come in contact with the panels.

Maxeon Solar Panels

F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling installs quailty Maxeon solar panels from Sun Power, which uniformly pass electricity through shaded panels and keep operating temperatures low. These solar panels are proven to last, delivering 60% more energy over 25 years in real-world conditions, including shaded areas and high temperatures.

Maxeon panels allow you to use a central inverter or microinverter and can be paired with a Tesla Powerwall 3. What’s more, solar panel installation from F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is ideal for both commercial and residential applications, and our roofers can expertly inspect your roof for streamlined installation.

Why choose Maxeon solar panels from F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling? You get access to these incredible benefits!
  • Crack-resistant solar cells
  • Simple, fast solar panel installation
  • Decades of lasting energy production
  • Enhanced performance in high temperatures
  • Even electrical production in real-world conditions
  • Expert roof inspection and replacement if necessary

We’ll inspect your home and roof to determine how we can best install your new solar panels. With our roofing services, we’ll advise on whether your roof should be repaired or replaced prior to installation to increase solar panel longevity.

Solar Services for Your Home

Selecting the best solar panels for a home is extremely important in reaping any surplus energy they produce. Over time, this could save you money on your utility bill. Any surplus energy solar panels produce will go back to the utility grid, and that energy may return to be consumed by your home at a later time, which is referred to as net metering. Depending on how your utility company describes this, typically, it is rate-for-rate.

Homeowners enjoy a bell curve of solar energy production, where the late fall and winter months are darker, leaving homes with solar panels harnessing less solar energy. However, with solar panel installation and high production of solar energy during the summer months, homeowners often benefit from that surplus of solar energy and reap it during the darker fall and winter months, seeing it as a credit on their bill.

With decades of experience helping homeowners and businesses in Hartford & New Haven, CT, F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is ready to help you with all your solar panel installation questions and concerns. We’re a Tesla Power Wall Certified Installer, an installer of FranklinWH, and a Maxeon Preferred Partner. This allows you to combine several great products and transform your home so that it truly reaps the rewards of solar energy.

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What to expect from solar panel installation

Solar should feel straightforward, not overwhelming. After you reach out, our team will walk you through the process so you know what’s happening at every step and what your solar energy system will look like on your home.

  • Home and roof review to confirm layout, sun exposure, and safe mounting. If your roof needs attention first, our roofing services team can inspect and advise on the best path forward.
  • System design that matches your goals, including panel placement, inverter approach, and storage options like Tesla Powerwall 3 or FranklinWH.
  • Permitting steps and scheduling guidance, with the goal of keeping your project moving smoothly.
  • Installation and final checks so everything is connected properly and your system is ready to perform.
  • Monitoring basics so you can track production over time and understand what you’re seeing in your system’s tools and reporting.

How we size a solar energy system for your home

Every home in Hartford and New Haven uses energy a little differently. Sizing your solar panels starts with understanding how much electricity you use now, then planning for what might change next.

  • Review recent electric bills and seasonal usage patterns to estimate average demand.
  • Assess roof space and shading so the design supports consistent solar energy production across the year.
  • Account for future upgrades that can change your usage, like adding an EV charger or expanding HVAC equipment.
  • Confirm your home’s electrical capacity. If an upgrade is needed before installing solar, we can evaluate next steps with electrical panel services.
  • If you want to reduce energy waste before sizing your system, a home energy audit can help you pinpoint where your home is using the most electricity.

Solar planning resources

If you’re comparing options, these pages can help you plan the project in a clear, practical way:

  • Financing options that can help make solar panel installation fit your budget.
  • Our service areas list so you can confirm coverage near Hartford and New Haven.
  • An overview of solar services if you’d like to compare panel installation with storage and related solutions.

Ready to get started? Use the contact form on this page to schedule a conversation about solar panel installation for your home or business.

Contact F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to learn more about our expert solar panel installation!


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Frequently Asked Questions


Most solar panel installations can be completed in just a few days, though the exact timeframe varies based on factors like system size, roof complexity, and local permitting requirements. By working with an experienced team such as F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling serving Hartford & New Haven, CT, you can streamline the process, ensuring your solar energy system is up and running efficiently in the shortest possible time.


Solar panels generally require minimal upkeep, often limited to periodically removing debris, leaves, or snow that may accumulate. Regular inspections can help spot any performance issues early, while ensuring that your panels continue to harness maximum solar energy. With proper, simple maintenance, your solar panel installation will deliver consistent power output over the long term.


Professionals assess factors like roof pitch, directional exposure, and seasonal sun patterns to achieve the ideal panel orientation. In Hartford & New Haven, CT, ensuring that panels receive the strongest, most consistent sunlight throughout the year helps your solar panel installation generate more efficient, reliable renewable energy for your home.


Local building codes, zoning regulations, and permit approvals ensure solar panels are safely and correctly integrated into your home’s electrical system and structure. Working with an experienced installer like F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling helps streamline the permitting process, ensuring compliance with all Hartford & New Haven standards and expediting your installation.


Many homeowners find that a well-executed solar panel installation can enhance property value, as potential buyers appreciate the long-term savings and environmental benefits. A solar energy system demonstrates your home’s commitment to sustainability, making it an attractive feature in the Hartford & New Haven real estate market.


Typically, a gentle rinse with water to remove dust or debris is sufficient. Some homeowners schedule a periodic cleaning to ensure that their solar panels remain free of buildup. With proper, simple care, your solar panel installation can continue delivering high-quality energy output, especially in environments where dirt, pollen, or leaves are common.


Yes, solar panel installations are often scalable. If your household’s energy consumption grows over time, you can typically expand your existing system. Consulting with a reputable provider like F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help you determine the best approach to increasing capacity, ensuring that your solar energy production keeps pace with your needs.


Many modern solar panel systems include online monitoring tools or integrated apps that display real-time energy production data. With these tools, you can track how efficiently your solar panels are performing, adjust usage habits, and gain insights into the total renewable energy you’ve generated in Hartford & New Haven, CT.


Some homes may require electrical panel upgrades to safely handle the influx of solar energy. A professional evaluation by F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will determine if your electrical infrastructure is sufficient or if improvements are needed. Ensuring proper electrical capacity helps maintain a stable, efficient solar panel installation.