Summary of Connecticut solar incentives 2020
Connecticut has ranked in the top ten states for solar policy and incentives, and also in solar installations per year for the past few years. With solar net energy metering offered for 20 years for people who install solar in 2020, the financials look great for those who install now. People who wait may miss out. Connecticut has also rolled out a low and moderate income solar program. Read on to learn more!
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Connecticut homeowners
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See what Connecticut solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Connecticut solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Connecticut
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 2022.
Net energy metering in Connecticut
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
With net metering, your utility company is required to track the amount of solar power you send back into the grid and how much you use, and credit you for the difference at retail prices. The difference is reflected as a credit on your next bill, and reset annually. This is a huge benefit to you as a solar owner, and a policy we’d like to see expanded in most other parts of the country.
Nearly unanimously in late 2019, the Connecticut Senate saved the state’s solar industry by extending its current strong net metering policy through 2021. Those who go solar now can have their net metering locked in until 2040!
If, however, you miss the boat on Connecticut net metering, you'll be subject to whatever "feed-in tariff" (FIT) your utility company manages to push through the state's Public Utilities Commission. A FIT is the price you get paid for a kWh of solar energy, and the FITs in Connecticut are sure to be less than the price you'll be paying for electricity from the utility company.We’re hopeful the state legislature can design a longer term successor which is fair and creates more long-term reliability for installers and homeowners alike.
Connecticut solar rebates
Connecticut has generous solar power rebates, for up to a 10-kilowatt installation. If you use enough energy to justify a 10-kW system, the state offers $426 back per kW. This means the max you can get from the program is $4,260. That’s pretty sweet.That amount is typically paid directly to your solar contractor from the state, so expect to see it reflected on your quote and handled by them.
The state also offers incentives for third-party companies who install and maintain solar panels on homes and lease the systems to homeowners, which makes Connecticut one of the best places in the country for solar leasing!
Sales and property tax exemptions
When solar panels are installed on your home, its value increases. We’re talking many thousands of dollars of instant property value goodness. But wait, that isn’t even the best news! Connecticut has provided residents a way out of paying more property taxes for putting solar panels on their roofs since 1977, thanks to the Connecticut solar energy property tax exemption.
As long as you file a claim with the board of assessors before the first day of November in the applicable assessment year, you will not have to pay a single penny more in property taxes for that shiny new PV system.
What’s more, your solar installation in Connecticut is also 100% exempt from sales taxes, saving you 6.35% right out of the gate!
Low income solar program
Connecticut has a low-income solar program! Called the Solar For All Program, it's helped nearly 2,000 low-income Connecticut homeowners get solar panels installed on their roof and save money on their electric bill.
Unlike other states, Connecticut doesn't promote solar ownership, but instead engages in a public/private partnership to install solar systems under a kind of third-party ownership called a power purchase agreement, or PPA for short.
A PPA makes the solar installation company essentially your second electricity provider—you pay for all the energy the solar panels generate, at a lower rate than you had been paying the electric company. In the case of the Solar for All program, the cost of a PPA is considerably less than retail energy, because Connecticut subsidizes the systems and the savings are passed on to the low-income homeowner.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Connecticut after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 9.5kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
5.5-6.8 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$65,549-$80,116
Average size system installed in CT in 2020
9.5kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Connecticut
19 solar companies in Connecticut provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.77 133 Reviews
Latest review
Eric, 1 week ago
I shopped around but the positive reviews and prompt pre-sales responses to my questions made me decide to go with Green Power Energy. They kept me in the loop on the install status. Met all of their commitments (most of them ahead of schedule). Install team was fantastic, on time, clean and professional. Very happy with the experience.
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Latest review
Eric, 1 week ago
I shopped around but the positive reviews and prompt pre-sales responses to my questions made me decide to go with Green Power Energy. They kept me in the loop on the install status. Met all of their commitments (most of them ahead of schedule). Install team was fantastic, on time, clean and professional. Very happy with the experience.
4.71 34 Reviews
Latest review
Scott, over 1 month
After months of researching solar panel technology; installers and expenditures for my central CT location I found Savkat and Sunpower. The information on the panels, technology, warranty, efficiency made them the only viable choice. Next i came down to who would the installer be. Well I only had 1 choice and THANKFULLY it was Savkat. From start to finish of the project it could not have gone better. The pre-acceptance video call, emails, phone calls were all very precise, business professional and met all of the questions that I could think of. Once I made the decision for purchase each and every step to having functioning panels was planned out to t "T". As a former project manager myself, I was well aware at the steps along the way. Savkat had them laid out and milestones were made aware immediately. Design was perfect; installation was perfect; inspection was quick and perfect; signoff was perfect. Did I mention the whole project went PERFECT. I am absolutely please with my decision and the product received. With Savkat as my go-to contractor Sunpower has a true diamond of an installer. Happy - yes. Recommend both companies - already doing it. Thank you.
Read more
Latest review
Scott, over 1 month
After months of researching solar panel technology; installers and expenditures for my central CT location I found Savkat and Sunpower. The information on the panels, technology, warranty, efficiency made them the only viable choice. Next i came down to who would the installer be. Well I only had 1 choice and THANKFULLY it was Savkat. From start to finish of the project it could not have gone better. The pre-acceptance video call, emails, phone calls were all very precise, business professional and met all of the questions that I could think of. Once I made the decision for purchase each and every step to having functioning panels was planned out to t "T". As a former project manager myself, I was well aware at the steps along the way. Savkat had them laid out and milestones were made aware immediately. Design was perfect; installation was perfect; inspection was quick and perfect; signoff was perfect. Did I mention the whole project went PERFECT. I am absolutely please with my decision and the product received. With Savkat as my go-to contractor Sunpower has a true diamond of an installer. Happy - yes. Recommend both companies - already doing it. Thank you.
4.69 197 Reviews
Latest review
A HAM, 1 week ago
My experience with Venture Solar was superb. My salesman Tom was punctual and well informed about his product. All the technicians were on time, neat and very knowledgeable. I have no regrets choosing Venture Solar.
Read more
Latest review
A HAM, 1 week ago
My experience with Venture Solar was superb. My salesman Tom was punctual and well informed about his product. All the technicians were on time, neat and very knowledgeable. I have no regrets choosing Venture Solar.
4.50 25 Reviews
Latest review
John, over 1 month
They were great to deal with throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$24,050 ($4.81 per watt)
Latest review
John, over 1 month
They were great to deal with throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend.
4.50 18 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Earthlight was absolutely fantastic! We have a pretty big install with 75 SunPower panels yet it only took them 2 days to complete the install plus everything is professionally done in conduit to code! I had a electrician over (unrelated to Solar) and he was so impressed he was going to give them a call for his own install. Earthlight treated our install like a all hands on deck. They sent upwards of 10 guys through the 2 day install. They were all very nice and acted professionally. They even helped us with a small rodent problem by sealing some gaps in our siding by the roof (above and beyond their duty)! I couldn't recommend them more to anyone looking for a solar install! Not only are they the best installers they also use the best equipment and panels on the market (SunPower). The SunPower Equinox system is a complete package from SunPower unlike others that use parts here and there from various manufactures. Earthlight's customer first focus is bar none! They even brought a thank you present from a local business in Ellington on their last visit! You can't go wrong choosing Earthlight for your Solar Install! Now I just wish I had more roof space to install more panels!
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Earthlight was absolutely fantastic! We have a pretty big install with 75 SunPower panels yet it only took them 2 days to complete the install plus everything is professionally done in conduit to code! I had a electrician over (unrelated to Solar) and he was so impressed he was going to give them a call for his own install. Earthlight treated our install like a all hands on deck. They sent upwards of 10 guys through the 2 day install. They were all very nice and acted professionally. They even helped us with a small rodent problem by sealing some gaps in our siding by the roof (above and beyond their duty)! I couldn't recommend them more to anyone looking for a solar install! Not only are they the best installers they also use the best equipment and panels on the market (SunPower). The SunPower Equinox system is a complete package from SunPower unlike others that use parts here and there from various manufactures. Earthlight's customer first focus is bar none! They even brought a thank you present from a local business in Ellington on their last visit! You can't go wrong choosing Earthlight for your Solar Install! Now I just wish I had more roof space to install more panels!
4.50 14 Reviews
Latest review
Satisfied customer of Son Energy, over 1 month
After researching solar for several years, I made the decision to go forward before the 26% federal tax credit is reduced again by end of 2020. My home has electric baseboard heat, and though I had a high efficiency mini split heat pump system installed two years ago, the winter heating costs from Eversource were still astronomical, and continuing to grow every year. I had spoken with the large solar companies, but in the end, going solar was going to make them more money than it would save me, mainly because of the high cost of the systems that is built into financing. I spoke with Ron at Son Energy, and his down to earth approach, willingness to provide detailed explanations to answer all my questions, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, led me have him come to my home for a detailed walkthrough. When he wanted to come out to see my home for himself, and didn’t give a quote until he had personally been to my property, I knew he would provide the best install and service years down the road. His prior background in nuclear engineering is impressive, and gave me the confidence in his knowledge and expertise in designing and building the optimal system for my home. His pricing was highly competitive and fair, and he didn’t come across as trying to sell me something I didn’t need. There was no sales pitch, just an honest explanation of the benefits of the system vs the cost, and why it made sense in my situation to go solar. So glad I went with Ron and Son Energy. After the work contract was signed, he handled all the effort from permits to install, and arranged to come to my home a week early to begin the work. Ron (and the subcontractors he works with for electrical and panel install) were honest, efficient, and cleaned up after the multi day install. Everything he agreed to was completed in a top quality manner, and very timely. Now just waiting for the net meter install, and a full switch off of public utility to 100% solar production. I couldn’t be happier that I went with a local CT professional, and picked Ron Tooker with Son Energy.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,900 ($3.58 per watt)
Latest review
Satisfied customer of Son Energy, over 1 month
After researching solar for several years, I made the decision to go forward before the 26% federal tax credit is reduced again by end of 2020. My home has electric baseboard heat, and though I had a high efficiency mini split heat pump system installed two years ago, the winter heating costs from Eversource were still astronomical, and continuing to grow every year. I had spoken with the large solar companies, but in the end, going solar was going to make them more money than it would save me, mainly because of the high cost of the systems that is built into financing. I spoke with Ron at Son Energy, and his down to earth approach, willingness to provide detailed explanations to answer all my questions, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, led me have him come to my home for a detailed walkthrough. When he wanted to come out to see my home for himself, and didn’t give a quote until he had personally been to my property, I knew he would provide the best install and service years down the road. His prior background in nuclear engineering is impressive, and gave me the confidence in his knowledge and expertise in designing and building the optimal system for my home. His pricing was highly competitive and fair, and he didn’t come across as trying to sell me something I didn’t need. There was no sales pitch, just an honest explanation of the benefits of the system vs the cost, and why it made sense in my situation to go solar. So glad I went with Ron and Son Energy. After the work contract was signed, he handled all the effort from permits to install, and arranged to come to my home a week early to begin the work. Ron (and the subcontractors he works with for electrical and panel install) were honest, efficient, and cleaned up after the multi day install. Everything he agreed to was completed in a top quality manner, and very timely. Now just waiting for the net meter install, and a full switch off of public utility to 100% solar production. I couldn’t be happier that I went with a local CT professional, and picked Ron Tooker with Son Energy.
4.46 11 Reviews
Latest review
Mr. Coster, over 1 month
We had a number of solar companies come out but Adam gave us the best panels and price of all of them. He explained how everything works and made it an easy choice.He followed up with us giving us updates along the way and extra goodies. I would recommend Adam to anyone looking to put solar panels on their house. I have already recommended him to a few of my friends and family. He is thoughtful, honest and efficient. I would use him again without hesitation. 5 star service
Read more
Latest review
Mr. Coster, over 1 month
We had a number of solar companies come out but Adam gave us the best panels and price of all of them. He explained how everything works and made it an easy choice.He followed up with us giving us updates along the way and extra goodies. I would recommend Adam to anyone looking to put solar panels on their house. I have already recommended him to a few of my friends and family. He is thoughtful, honest and efficient. I would use him again without hesitation. 5 star service
4.40 38 Reviews
Latest review
Wes, 3 weeks ago
If I could give EcoSmart negative stars I would. I have worked with many contractors, architects, engineers and developers in my life good and bad. EcoSmart could be one of if not the worst company I have ever had the unfortunate privilege to work with. After signing up with them, they wasted almost 2 months of my time, misrepresenting timelines and expertise, mismanaging the process, communication and making multiple false statements along the way. I was clear from the outset that the time frame install the system was critical. They told me multiple times that permits had been filed when, in reality they never filed them at all. They did not even know the process to file permits in my town (another thing they had represented they had experience with) and did not even contact the town until the week we had initially targeted for the install. They told me they understood and had experience with Solar batteries. I had to design this part of the system myself because they had no clue what they were doing and were not even capable of effectively working with the vendor to design and solve for any issues that arose. They were terrible with communication, often telling me they would get back to me and never doing so. I had to chase them all the time. When you are spending any amount this would be unacceptable. I was spending over $100,000. 2 months into the agreement, after bailing on a site visit that I rearranged my schedule for, Michael Pelton then called me to state that they would not install what they had agreed to and that Steve Pelton (the owner) was no longer going to offer batteries as he did not trust them. But then I should just do the solar alone with them. I was clear from the beginning that the point of the project was to have a back up system not just a solar system. It seems to me that their plan from the beginning was to tell me what I wanted to hear and then pull the rug out from under me when the timing was such that I was in jeopardy of losing the full Federal Tax Credit and potentially the State incentives in hopes that I would adjust the install to solar only. Ultimately, they gave me no confidence that they were going to be able to successfully and properly install solar either. In my option and experience they are not to be trusted. My experience with them is that they are incredibly disorganized and inept, often gave me false and misleading statements and have real issues communicating at any level that would be considered acceptable. They also showed zero respect for my time or following through on what they had committed to do. All of this resulted in me losing time, money and expending a tremendous amount of effort for ultimately no reason. Simply horrendous on every level and I could not recommend a company less then EcoSmart.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$18,150 ($3.63 per watt)
Latest review
Wes, 3 weeks ago
If I could give EcoSmart negative stars I would. I have worked with many contractors, architects, engineers and developers in my life good and bad. EcoSmart could be one of if not the worst company I have ever had the unfortunate privilege to work with. After signing up with them, they wasted almost 2 months of my time, misrepresenting timelines and expertise, mismanaging the process, communication and making multiple false statements along the way. I was clear from the outset that the time frame install the system was critical. They told me multiple times that permits had been filed when, in reality they never filed them at all. They did not even know the process to file permits in my town (another thing they had represented they had experience with) and did not even contact the town until the week we had initially targeted for the install. They told me they understood and had experience with Solar batteries. I had to design this part of the system myself because they had no clue what they were doing and were not even capable of effectively working with the vendor to design and solve for any issues that arose. They were terrible with communication, often telling me they would get back to me and never doing so. I had to chase them all the time. When you are spending any amount this would be unacceptable. I was spending over $100,000. 2 months into the agreement, after bailing on a site visit that I rearranged my schedule for, Michael Pelton then called me to state that they would not install what they had agreed to and that Steve Pelton (the owner) was no longer going to offer batteries as he did not trust them. But then I should just do the solar alone with them. I was clear from the beginning that the point of the project was to have a back up system not just a solar system. It seems to me that their plan from the beginning was to tell me what I wanted to hear and then pull the rug out from under me when the timing was such that I was in jeopardy of losing the full Federal Tax Credit and potentially the State incentives in hopes that I would adjust the install to solar only. Ultimately, they gave me no confidence that they were going to be able to successfully and properly install solar either. In my option and experience they are not to be trusted. My experience with them is that they are incredibly disorganized and inept, often gave me false and misleading statements and have real issues communicating at any level that would be considered acceptable. They also showed zero respect for my time or following through on what they had committed to do. All of this resulted in me losing time, money and expending a tremendous amount of effort for ultimately no reason. Simply horrendous on every level and I could not recommend a company less then EcoSmart.
4.25 8 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Mark and Rebecca Waldo were a pleasure to deal with thoughout the entire process - from design, state approval to installation of the panels and inverter. Waldo Renewable is more than a business for the Waldo's as they live their goal of helping to insure a sustainable future for all. It is admirable to find a company and individuals whose avocation and vocation are the same. I can highly recommend Waldo Renwable.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$27,450 ($5.49 per watt)
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Mark and Rebecca Waldo were a pleasure to deal with thoughout the entire process - from design, state approval to installation of the panels and inverter. Waldo Renewable is more than a business for the Waldo's as they live their goal of helping to insure a sustainable future for all. It is admirable to find a company and individuals whose avocation and vocation are the same. I can highly recommend Waldo Renwable.
4.10 62 Reviews
Latest review
SueSue , 3 weeks ago
Friendly and very COVID-19 aware.Lots of precautionary measures!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$22,350 ($4.47 per watt)
Latest review
SueSue , 3 weeks ago
Friendly and very COVID-19 aware.Lots of precautionary measures!
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