Summary of Connecticut solar incentives 2021
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, 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:
-
Learn what solar incentives are available to Connecticut homeowners
-
See what Connecticut solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
-
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% at the end of 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 2041!
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 2021
9.5kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Connecticut
29 solar companies in Connecticut provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.90 193 Reviews
Latest review
Blue Point Jack, 5 days ago
I had a great experience with Harvest Power LLC. I had a single Tesla Power Wall and a 8.5 KW system put in place on a two house property in Blue Point, NY. Harvest Power linked the panels on my main house and cottage so that they could both work with the Tesla Power Wall for a micro-grid system, if the power ever goes out. The system looks nice on the roof, the installers were polite/safe/efficient, and the Harvest Power sales rep Kevin Goldstein was extremely professional and always responsive. When I was choosing who to go with in April 2020, Harvest Power was the only company that continually stayed in contact and responded to all of my text messages and emails. During the system design and installation, I really felt heard and that they valued my opinion in the process. One frustration was that the lead time due to various permitting issues took almost a year. In fact, I am still waiting for my Tesla Power Wall to be installed due to a back order on the batteries since they have become extremely popular. The delays of course were not necessarily Harvest Power's fault, but it was something that colored the process and should be accounted for in anyone's expectations. I would definitely recommend Harvest Power to others based on my experience.
Read more
Latest review
Blue Point Jack, 5 days ago
I had a great experience with Harvest Power LLC. I had a single Tesla Power Wall and a 8.5 KW system put in place on a two house property in Blue Point, NY. Harvest Power linked the panels on my main house and cottage so that they could both work with the Tesla Power Wall for a micro-grid system, if the power ever goes out. The system looks nice on the roof, the installers were polite/safe/efficient, and the Harvest Power sales rep Kevin Goldstein was extremely professional and always responsive. When I was choosing who to go with in April 2020, Harvest Power was the only company that continually stayed in contact and responded to all of my text messages and emails. During the system design and installation, I really felt heard and that they valued my opinion in the process. One frustration was that the lead time due to various permitting issues took almost a year. In fact, I am still waiting for my Tesla Power Wall to be installed due to a back order on the batteries since they have become extremely popular. The delays of course were not necessarily Harvest Power's fault, but it was something that colored the process and should be accounted for in anyone's expectations. I would definitely recommend Harvest Power to others based on my experience.
4.81 152 Reviews
Latest review
DanB, 3 days ago
They are very good at what they do and I would highly recommend. A very nice touch was the phone conference a few months after install answering any questions I had and a chance to review the performance together.
Read more
Latest review
DanB, 3 days ago
They are very good at what they do and I would highly recommend. A very nice touch was the phone conference a few months after install answering any questions I had and a chance to review the performance together.
4.71 35 Reviews
Latest review
Thomas, over 1 month
I was looking for a local company that had a well established customer base for reliable support of the 25 year, SunPower warranty. That company was SavKat Solar, following an internet conference with their representative, Ben.
Read more
Latest review
Thomas, over 1 month
I was looking for a local company that had a well established customer base for reliable support of the 25 year, SunPower warranty. That company was SavKat Solar, following an internet conference with their representative, Ben.
4.60 210 Reviews
Latest review
Josh , 3 days ago
Very reasonable and helpful services from start to installation. Everyone from the initial salesperson to there office personnel who assisted with scheduling to the installation crew were very helpful and knowledgeable about their portion of the process. Moved fairly rapidly even with COVID timelines and winter storms.
Read more
Latest review
Josh , 3 days ago
Very reasonable and helpful services from start to installation. Everyone from the initial salesperson to there office personnel who assisted with scheduling to the installation crew were very helpful and knowledgeable about their portion of the process. Moved fairly rapidly even with COVID timelines and winter storms.
4.53 50 Reviews
Latest review
Kevin smith, over 1 month
I feel compelled to write down a few words of praise that Ross Solar deserve . It has been one year that we went solar. We went to a few meeting in Durham-Middlefield to learn about the program they were offering. I had no idea if this was worth it at our age (60+) Would we ever get our returned on investment. Jim Paradis followed up with a number of home visits and laid out a proposal that answered many of my questions.He explained the tax credits both state and federal.explained net metering . I really put my trust in him when deciding to go forward. His team calculated enough panels so we would generate enough electricity to meet our needs.The work began and in a few weeks we were up an running.I will say that the laborers were also great. They were polite and worked clean. As they had to work both inside and out I trusted them. Awesome job... I would average $350-$400 bill a month to eversource ....for the first year it has Average $13 . System will be paid off in 5 years . There is a 25 year parts and labor warranty .....Everything that Jim told me would happen came true. Could not be happier with this company. Would love to meet with you or show you the system. Thank you Jim....
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,900 ($4.38 per watt)
Latest review
Kevin smith, over 1 month
I feel compelled to write down a few words of praise that Ross Solar deserve . It has been one year that we went solar. We went to a few meeting in Durham-Middlefield to learn about the program they were offering. I had no idea if this was worth it at our age (60+) Would we ever get our returned on investment. Jim Paradis followed up with a number of home visits and laid out a proposal that answered many of my questions.He explained the tax credits both state and federal.explained net metering . I really put my trust in him when deciding to go forward. His team calculated enough panels so we would generate enough electricity to meet our needs.The work began and in a few weeks we were up an running.I will say that the laborers were also great. They were polite and worked clean. As they had to work both inside and out I trusted them. Awesome job... I would average $350-$400 bill a month to eversource ....for the first year it has Average $13 . System will be paid off in 5 years . There is a 25 year parts and labor warranty .....Everything that Jim told me would happen came true. Could not be happier with this company. Would love to meet with you or show you the system. Thank you Jim....
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 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.
Read more
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 30 Reviews
Latest review
Pamela, over 1 month
Aegis was a great company to work with. Explanations were thorough and the staff was available for questions throughout the process and after. I wanted to work with a local company, and Aegis exceeded my expectations. There was no pressure to buy a system. Instead, Leslie wanted to understand our needs and propose solutions.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,800 ($4.36 per watt)
Latest review
Pamela, over 1 month
Aegis was a great company to work with. Explanations were thorough and the staff was available for questions throughout the process and after. I wanted to work with a local company, and Aegis exceeded my expectations. There was no pressure to buy a system. Instead, Leslie wanted to understand our needs and propose solutions.
4.38 37 Reviews
Latest review
Emma L, over 1 month
My system just got turned on, so I don't have historical knowledge, but the process of installation was faster than expected and easy. They seem friendly, helpful, and knowledgable. I would highly recommend them!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$26,550 ($5.31 per watt)
Latest review
Emma L, over 1 month
My system just got turned on, so I don't have historical knowledge, but the process of installation was faster than expected and easy. They seem friendly, helpful, and knowledgable. I would highly recommend them!
Useful links
Connecticut Smart E-loans - No money down low interest financing to upgrade home energy performance
Related solar news
Ben Zientara
January 26, 2021
The state of net metering in the United States in 2021
This annual report ranks the states for friendliness to home solar based on their net metering programs.
Ben Zientara
July 2, 2020
Low-income solar incentives in the US
Across the US, several states have programs that provide free solar panels for low-income households.
Catherine Lane
August 21, 2019
Is renting Tesla solar panels better than buying them?
Tesla’s rent solar program promises easy installation & minimal upfront costs. You’ll just have to forfeit your tax credits and rebates. We discuss whether or not it's worth it.
Andrew Sendy
February 26, 2019
What Energize CT rebates, loans & incentives can I use in 2020?
Energize Connecticut offers several programs to help you improve energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. Solar in CT is another great option.
Catherine Lane
March 5, 2021
Agrivoltaics: how solar and farmland can fight climate change
Agrivoltaics combines solar with farmland to help farms save on their electricity bills and even produce more crops.