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Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Connecticut

Switching to solar, while great in the long run, is a big investment. 78% of US adults are stressed about high energy bills, according to a recent CNET energy survery, and this is especially true in Connecticut. The state has some of the highest electricity rates in the US, and a solar energy system could mean significant long-term savings.

The average price of electricity in Connecticut is almost 30 cents per kilowatt-hour as of February 2024, compared with 14 cents per kilowatt-hour in Arizona in the same month, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration.

So, generating your own electricity at home with solar panels is an option worth considering, plus, they’ve gotten more affordable, and incentives like the federal residential clean energy credit make the math even better for those looking to buy solar panels. State-level incentives also help make clean energy in Connecticut a strong prospect, with legislated property tax and sales tax exemptions for solar panel systems cutting down your expected price tag.

Here’s what you need to know before deciding to go solar in Connecticut.

The best national solar panel companies in Connecticut

Palmetto Solar

Best overall

Solar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but they’re also unfamiliar. If you want to reap the benefits of solar but will have a bit more peace of mind if someone else is making sure it’s working, Palmetto might be a good fit for you. Just remember to add the cost of Palmetto’s monitoring service in to your payback period calculations.

Momentum Solar

All in-house installers

Momentum installs in 11 states without using subcontractors. While using in-house installers doesn’t guarantee a better experience, it does suggest you’re likely to get a more uniform experience from Momentum. The fact that Momentum backs its installations with a 25-year workmanship warranty hints at a strong belief in its crews’ ability. If Momentum is part of your search, consider the warranties against leaks that other companies offer. Momentum’s is five years, which isn’t the best.

Since 2009, Green Power Energy has provided solar installation services in northeast states, including Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its full-service team takes the process from design to installation and includes a 25-year warranty. Green Power Energy offers free quotes and is certified to install Panasonic solar panels and Enphase products.

Trinity Solar operates in nine US states and the company has completed over 67,000 home installations in Connecticut since expanding to the state in 2014. The family-owned company works with customers to design a solar system and installs name-brand products such as Qcells panels, SolarEdge inverters and Tesla solar batteries. In addition to the manufacturer warranty, Trinity offers a five-year quality-of-work warranty, shorter than most competitors.

Typical system size (kW) Price per watt Total installed cost Cost after 30% federal tax credit Connecticut 7 $3.65 $25,550 $17,885 National average 5 $3.56 $17,823 $12,476

This map displays the total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a typical solar panel system in your state, according to data from FindEnergy.com. The prices shown don’t factor in rebates or other savings from tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don’t have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.

Connecticut solar panel incentives and rebates

You can buy solar panels in Connecticut with an upfront cash payment or finance them over time with a solar loan. While paying for a system with cash or a loan will save you the most over time and give you access to tax rebates and incentives, solar leases and power purchase agreements are also available in Connecticut and offer lower upfront costs.

Federal and state incentives and rebates help make solar panels more affordable. The residential clean energy credit is a federal solar tax credit offering 30% towards the purchase of a solar system as a credit on your federal tax return.

Connecticut solar incentives

How solar-friendly is your state?

CNET recently ranked states based on their residential solar policies: the laws and regulations affecting consumer-level solar panel installation and adoption. These policies play a major role in determining how accessible and affordable a solar panel system is to the average resident. 

Each state was evaluated through a methodology and scored based on eight categories. The final score was converted to a letter grade. 

Here’s how your state scored on CNET’s solar policy test.

Connecticut

Grade: D

Incentives available:

  • State-governed net billing — solar buyback at the wholesale rate
  • Solar panel systems fully exempt from property taxes
  • Solar panel systems fully exempt from sales tax
  • Low-income and community solar programs (local or utility-administered)

Strongest scoring categories:

Solar panel systems with all of their bells and whistles are fully exempt from property and sales taxes in Connecticut. There are also low-income and community solar programs, but they’re on a local level and may not necessarily be available to every resident of the state.

Categories to improve:

Connecticut’s net billing means you’ll be getting the short end of the stick when it comes to saving money by sending your energy back to the grid. There’s also no state solar tax credit to ease the financial burden of the initial investment into solar energy.

How to pay for solar panels in Connecticut

If you’re serious about going solar, take some time to weigh all your options and find the best buying method for your situation. Here are a few common ways to pay for your solar panels.

Cash: If you’ve got room in your budget, paying for your solar panels with cash is your best option. There won’t be any high financing fees or interest rates to worry about, and you’ll always be elegible for tax incentives and rebates. If you have plans to go solar in the future, consider saving up in a high-yield savings account, which will help you generate more money over time. 

Solar loan: Solar providers usually offer financing options for solar panels, often called a solar loan. These loans are typically overseen by a third party, so carefully inspect any associated fees and interest rates.

Other loans: If cash isn’t an option, you have other financing options. You could take out a personal loan with your bank or open a home equity line of credit. However, if you do choose to go with a HELOC, be aware of the risks. If you can’t pay back what you owe, your home could face foreclosure.

Lease or power purchase agreement: If you aren’t interested in solar panel ownership, you can sign a solar lease or enter a power purchase agreement. A solar lease means you pay for the use of a company-owned system. Entering a power purchase agreement means you’ll pay for the electricity generated by a company-owned system at a fixed rate. This rate is usually lower than the retail rate provided by the local utility company. Ask your solar provider which options are available for you.

Installation factors to consider

When determining if installing a solar system is right for you, keep in mind the following five things to consider.

Neighborhood and home owners associations: Connecticut doesn’t have laws prohibiting homeowners’ associations from banning solar panels. Before installation, review your HOA or other neighborhood association rules regarding solar panel systems and their placement. 

Access to sunlight: Solar panels will generate less energy if your roof is shaded by trees or other elements most of the day. Solar panels start to make financial sense when they get direct sunlight for at least 4 hours a day.

Home insurance: Communicate with your homeowner’s insurance agency to ensure solar panels are included in your policy.

Do you rent?: Renters have less decision-making power than homeowners when making property changes. Community solar programs are a great option for renters as a subscription-style service from companies like Arcadia.

Roof condition: A certified installer should inspect your roof before finalizing your system placement and installation. The installer will recommend any needed maintenance and repairs before your system is installed.

How we evaluate solar companies

Our methodology

Connecticut solar power FAQs

Are solar panels worth it in Connecticut?

Does Connecticut have a solar tax credit?

How much do solar panels cost in Connecticut?

Are all solar panels the same?

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Program Description
Energy Conservation Loan Program Receive a loan for up to $25,000 towards emergency energy efficiency home improvements, including renewable energy.
Property Tax Exemption Renewable energy systems, including solar systems, are exempt from property taxes.
Residential Clean Energy Credit Apply through the IRS for a 30% federal tax credit for solar systems installed from the beginning of 2022 through 2032. The credit decreases to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 and, unless renewed, expires in 2035.
Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program Solar owners can select from two incentive rate structures to receive credits toward electricity bills and sell renewable energy certificates. This program replaced the state’s net metering program.
Sales Tax Exemption Solar panel systems are exempt from sales tax in Connecticut.