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6 Best Solar Companies in Connecticut (2025 Reviews)
In this guide on Connecticut’s best solar companies, you’ll learn:
- What are EcoWatch’s top picks for solar panel companies in Connecticut?
- How we evaluated and selected each company on the list
- How can I find a trusted solar contractor in Connecticut?
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Connecticut is one of the best states in the country to go solar, with panels usually paying for themselves in just eight years and then saving homeowners an additional $58,012 on average over the lifespan of the solar array. While converting to solar in CT is an easy decision to make, choosing an installer to handle your solar project is another story entirely, especially since there are more than 60 installers to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing some of the best solar companies in Connecticut, including their pricing, services, financing options, warranty coverage and more. We’ll also explain what we recommend prioritizing when choosing a company to make sure you get the best value for your money.
What Are the Best Solar Companies in Connecticut?
We’ve spent hours researching solar providers in your area, picking apart the reviews and company websites to make sure we only recommend the best of the best. Below are what we found to be the best solar companies in Connecticut.
- Tesla: Best Technology
- Momentum Solar: Best Regional Provider
- Sunlight Solar Energy: Most Experienced Installer
- PurePoint Energy: Best Social Impact
- Green Power Energy: Best Customer Service
- EcoSmart Home Services: Best for System Customization
Compare Connecticut’s Top-Rated Solar Providers
Overall, we recommend you consider Momentum Solar for your solar needs in Connecticut. We’ll provide a side-by-side look at these companies as well as the other contenders in the table below to help you decide which might be best suited to handle your solar panel installation.
| Solar Providers | Superlative | Our Score | Avg Cost ($–$$$$$) | Warranty | Financing Options |
| Tesla | Best Technology | 4/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA |
| Momentum Solar | Best Regional Provider | 4.5/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA |
| Sunlight Solar Energy | Most Experienced Installer | 4.5/5 | $$$$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan |
| PurePoint Energy | Best Social Impact | 4/5 | $$$$$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 5 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA |
| Green Power Energy | Best Customer Service | 4.5/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease |
| EcoSmart Home Services | Best for System Customization | 4.5 | $$$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan |
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Tesla Energy
Best Technology
Pros
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
Cons
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Tesla provides outstanding tech in its solar products — particularly its solar batteries and monitoring apps — that make energy efficiency easy for Connecticut residents.
Tesla struggles with customer service in some cases because it outsources installations to third parties, but it’s still a company worth considering, in our opinion.
Why We Chose Tesla as the Company With the Best Technology
Tesla is one of the largest tech companies in the country, so it’s no surprise that its products come with features that make using them super convenient.
The perfect example of this is the Tesla Powerwall’s StormWatch feature, which automatically prepares your batteries to take your home off-grid when a storm is approaching that could cause a blackout. In an area like Connecticut, where hurricanes and tropical storms bring inclement weather somewhat often, this is a super useful feature.
Additionally, Powerwalls let you dictate what percentage of the battery you want to store for blackouts and what percentage you want to use on a daily basis. This is going to be a crucial feature to have once the net metering policy changes in Connecticut, as it will let you maximize how much consumption you offset with free solar as opposed to paying to import it from the grid.
Tesla’s pricing is also below the local average, and it offers price matching for its products, which helps guarantee the lowest prices available for its services. In an area like Connecticut, where the cost per watt for solar equipment is above average, this helps keep installation costs as low as possible.
Finally, Tesla accepts all four major payment options, which again helps keep its products and services accessible in high-cost areas like Connecticut. This is good now, but the acceptance of leases and PPAs in the near future when installation costs go up is going to be a game changer.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest downside to working with Tesla, in our opinion, is the risk of getting poor customer service. The company outsources the installation labor for solar arrays to local third-party solar contractors, which means your experience will depend on the company assigned to your solar project. The service can be great or well below average.
Additionally, Tesla only installs one brand of each piece of equipment it provides. The brands — QCells and Tesla-branded products — are considered high-quality, but we’d love to see some variety to give customers options based on what they’re looking to optimize with their installation.
Read our full review of Tesla for more information.
Solar Products
Tesla only installs panels made by QCells. This is a tier-one brand that is trusted by thousands of solar customers in the United States. Its panels provide above-average efficiency ratings — up to 21.4% — which should be plenty to help offset your electricity consumption and provide above-average solar savings in a high-cost area like Connecticut.
Below, we’ll include a list of other products and services you can get through Tesla:
- Tesla Powerwalls, which are some of the best solar batteries in the industry
- Tesla EV chargers, which can be adapted to fit non-Tesla EVs
- The Tesla solar monitoring app
Financing Options
One upside to Tesla is the variety of payment options it accepts, which include cash payments, loans, leases and PPAs.
If you can make a cash purchase work, we highly recommend it. Cash purchases lead to the shortest panel payback period and the highest energy savings in the long run — an average of $58,012 in Connecticut! Loans are another great option, as they still give you access to the federal solar credit, but the interest will reduce your savings by around $5,000.
Leases are a decent low-cost option if you can’t swing a cash purchase or qualify for a loan. We don’t recommend PPAs in most cases, as leases are usually a better deal and still come with low or no upfront costs.
Warranty Information
Tesla’s panels come with a 25-year warranty for manufacturer defects and a 25-year performance guarantee. The performance guarantee is a little longer than average of 20 years, which is great for ensuring your panels continue to save you from having to pay the high energy prices in Connecticut.
Tesla also includes a ten-year workmanship warranty, which is in line with the industry average. However, we would ideally like to see a longer coverage period, especially given that the risk of damage to improperly installed panels is relatively high in Connecticut, given the above-average rainfall.
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Best Technology
Facts and Figures: Tesla Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| C |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Solar Roof Shingles, System Monitoring |
Momentum Solar
Best Regional Coverage
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Only available in 11 states
Momentum Solar couples outstanding customer service with the prices and availability you’d expect from a larger national company.
You should definitely be aware that the company has faced allegations of racial discrimination, the claims haven’t been substantiated yet as of November 2023.
Why We Chose Momentum Solar as the Best Regional Provider
If you can’t decide between a highly-available and affordable national company and a hands-on local company with great customer service, Momentum Solar might be the best option.
Most notably, Momentum is one of the only solar installers in Connecticut that offers a concierge service, which means you’ll always have a single point of contact at the company. Not only does that make staying in communication super simple, but that contact will also provide great service and keep you updated throughout the entire installation process. This is great to have in a state with over 60 installers, as many of those are less professional and provide worse service.
Momentum employees and technicians are also trained locally, which means they’re up to date on state and local incentives. The reps are always willing to help you file for as many incentives and solar rebates as possible to minimize your installation costs. There aren’t many local incentives available in Connecticut, but there could be some that Momentum might help you take advantage of.
Lastly, Momentum accepts all major payment options, so its services are accessible, despite the generally high cost of solar equipment in Connecticut.
What We Don’t Like
As mentioned, Momentum is currently in the middle of a lawsuit for racial discrimination. While there has been no resolution to the case as of November 2023, and the claims haven’t been substantiated yet, this is obviously a pretty significant downside if it turns out to be true. We, of course, prefer companies that are both environmentally and socially sustainable.
Momentum also doesn’t have the greatest array of services. It installs the basics, like panels and batteries, but customers looking for other add-on products or energy efficiency home improvements will need to look elsewhere.
Read our full review of Momentum Solar for more information.
Solar Products
Instead of sticking with just a handful of panel brands, Momentum Solar can get its hands on equipment from just about any manufacturer you want. This is a great way the company offers some system customization, and it gives you the opportunity to choose high-efficiency brands to maximize long-term savings, low-cost brands to minimize your system costs and everything in between. This means you could end up saving money or getting higher output for your home than another more limited company might offer.
We should mention that Momentum only works with tier-one monocrystalline panels, which we always recommend. These are more reliable and durable than polycrystalline panels from lesser-known brands.
Below is a list of the other products and services you can get access to via Momentum:
- Enphase 3 and Enphase 10 solar batteries
- Enphase inverters
- The Enphase solar monitoring app
The inclusion of batteries is great, and this will be an important factor for solar customers in Connecticut once net metering 3.0 takes effect. Enphase batteries are more expensive than Powerwalls — around $14,500 each as opposed to $11,500 each — but it’s still great to see batteries being offered.
Financing Options
Momentum accepts all four of the primary payment options, which helps make its products and services more accessible overall.
We recommend a cash purchase if it fits into your budget. If you can’t pay in cash, a solar loan will provide the next best benefits over time.
Leases and PPAs can be decent options if you’re just looking to support the clean energy movement, although they save far less than cash payments and loans over the life of your system. These are important options to have, though, especially as more states are moving to the less beneficial net metering 3.0 plan.
Warranty Information
When you convert to renewable energy with Momentum Solar, you get access to a 25-year warranty that covers the panels, the panel production and the workmanship. The equipment warranty is in line with the industry average, but the production and labor warranties are better than you’ll get from most competitors.
The labor warranty, in particular, is a great thing to have in Connecticut. This will help ensure your panels and roof don’t get damaged by the extreme weather or the above-average rainfall in the Constitution State.
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Best Regional Coverage
Facts and Figures: Momentum Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| 2009 |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
| Q Cells, REC, Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar and others depending on location |
| 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranties |
Sunlight Solar Energy
Solar Veteran
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited warranty coverage
- Expensive
Sunlight Solar Energy has been serving Connecticut residents for over 30 years, which means it has more experience and local expertise than most other installers.
The company is expensive and doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, but we think it’s a great option if you can afford it.
Why We Chose Sunlight Solar Energy as the Most Experienced Installer
As mentioned above, Sunlight Solar Energy has been installing solar panel systems in Connecticut for more than three decades. Its technicians understand the local needs of homeowners and can size systems appropriately to help ensure the panels offset the above-average electricity rates to maximize savings. They’re willing to help you file for all of the available incentives, which should help bring your costs down a bit.
The installation technicians also have decades of experience installing panels to stand up to the extreme weather and above-average rainfall in Connecticut. Although the workmanship warranty is only ten years, the experience and employee certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) should instill confidence that your panels are being professionally and properly installed.
Sunlight Solar Energy also has a nice range of products and services available, so it offers more customization than many competitors. These include uncommon solar applications like solar awnings and small solar projects for tiny homes.
What We Don’t Like
Sunlight Solar only installs panels in and around the New Haven area, so its service area is limited. As such, a lot of Connecticut residents won’t be able to get services from the installer.
Sunlight Solar is also a little on the expensive side, which is more of a downside in CT than it would be in other states, given the already above-average cost of solar equipment in the area. You can expect to pay close to $20,000 for your system from Sunlight Solar Energy (after the federal credit), which is higher than the state average of $18,323. This will be more of an issue in the near future once batteries become a requirement and push up installation costs by $10,000 to $20,000. Overall, systems from Sunlight will become even less accessible at the above-average price.
Finally, Sunlight Solar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. Not only is the price relatively high, but the payment options aren’t as accessible as they could be. This is likely going to be a bigger point of contention once NEM 3.0 rolls out and these low-cost options are the only ones some solar customers can afford.
Solar Products
Sunlight Solar Energy installs panels manufactured by Trina, Panasonic and Solaria. These are all highly-trusted brands that provide above-average efficiency ratings — all averaging around 20% — and they should be plenty powerful to offset your energy demands in Connecticut.
We recommend the panels from Trina or Panasonic if you’re looking to maximize your power production. They have slightly higher efficiency ratings than Solaria panels. However, choosing Solaria panels means lower costs per watt, so they could help keep your installation costs down, which is important in Connecticut, where installation costs are above average.
Below is a list of other products and services you can get access to when you go solar with this provider:
- Ground-mount solar systems
- EV charging stations — brands aren’t mentioned on the company’s website
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Energy audits
- Tesla and Enphase solar monitoring apps
We’re pleased to see that Powerwalls are an option, especially since batteries are going to become a necessity in the future for customers who want to maximize savings with lower NEM credit rates.
Financing Options
Sunlight Solar Energy only accepts cash and loans for its products and services. These are the two options we recommend to most homeowners, as they provide the highest savings over time and let you take the federal solar tax credit, an estimated value of $6,300 in Connecticut.
We would like to see the provider accept leases and PPAs as well, just to keep customers’ options open and to appeal to homeowners in different financial situations. Again, these will be more beneficial in the future if and when net metering policies change.
Warranty Information
Sunlight Solar Energy offers a 25-year warranty package for the panels and solar production. The equipment coverage is average, and the efficiency warranty is five years longer than many other companies offer.
You also get a ten-year workmanship and labor warranty, which is the average in the solar industry. In high-risk areas like Connecticut, we prefer to see longer coverage for the labor, but we do feel that this installer’s experience should help reduce the risk of panel damage from rain or inclement weather.
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Solar Veteran
Facts and Figures: Sunlight Solar Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
PurePoint Energy
Outstanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Makes charitable contributions
- Many financing options
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Expensive
PurePoint has over 15 years of experience serving Connecticut, and it sets itself apart by prioritizing charitable donations in the area.
The company is one of the most expensive options in the area and has limited service offerings, but for social impact, we feel it can’t be beaten.
Why We Chose PurePoint as the Best for Social Impact
PurePoint stands apart from the competition in Connecticut in large part because it donates time and money to local charities, like Live Green Connecticut. This helps expand the renewable energy industry in the state and is, overall, beneficial for all residents. It also lectures younger generations about the importance of renewable energy and energy efficiency, so it evidently cares about much more than just turning a profit.
PurePoint Energy is a small local company that operates solely in Connecticut. As a small company, it’s able to handle installations for homeowners, business owners and non-profits without sacrificing customer service. The company maintains an incredible 5-star rating on Google Reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It’s also intimately familiar with local incentives and other energy efficiency perks, so the technicians can help you file for them and get the most value out of your system.
PurePoint Energy is expensive, but it does keep its services accessible by accepting all four payment options. That means it’s a good option for just about any homeowner in Connecticut looking to go solar. Plus, it will remain a viable option even when the net metering policy gets updated, becomes less beneficial and pushes up installation costs by necessitating batteries.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest downside to working with PurePoint, in our opinion, is the cost. It’s more expensive than most installers in the area, costing over $20,000 after the federal credit, which is well above the state average of $18,323. That higher price is going to be felt more in Connecticut than it would in most other states, thanks to the already above-average solar equipment prices. It’s going to be an even larger issue once NEM 3.0 is rolled out and system costs go up.
Additionally, the workmanship warranty offered by this company is only five years, which is half the national and state average and significantly lower than we’d like to see in Connecticut, where rainfall and inclement weather abound. The company’s experience should provide some peace of mind, but we’d still like to see better warranty protection.
Solar Products
PurePoint Energy is a certified SunPower installer in Connecticut, so it offers Maxeon panels. Unlike some other SunPower dealers, it also installs panels manufactured by REC.
Both of these brands deliver super-high efficiency ratings — up to 22.7% and 22.3%, respectively — plus outstanding durability and quality. We recommend Maxeon panels overall for the highest power production capability, but we’re comfortable recommending either brand. We would like to see some less expensive options, but we can’t complain about the quality of the panels this company installs.
Below are some other services and products you can get from PurePoint:
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Solar carports
- Energy management solutions
- Commercial solar installations
- SunPower and Tesla solar monitoring mobile apps
Since Connecticut residents use less electricity than most U.S. residents — 711 kWh per month as opposed to 881 kWh — it might seem like these other energy efficiency offerings wouldn’t be terribly beneficial. However, anything that saves money on electric bills is going to have a massive impact in the state, as the average electric bill is an astounding $190.41 per month — around 30% higher than the national average of $139.06. The availability of batteries is also important for the future, as net metering policy changes will likely mandate them.
Financing Options
PurePoint is one of the few local installers that accepts all four solar payment options. We recommend a cash purchase for maximum long-term benefit, but a solar loan is far more accessible and more affordable upfront.
You can opt for a solar lease if you can’t afford a cash purchase or qualify for a loan, as the credit score requirements are usually much lower. Generally, we don’t recommend PPAs, but they are a low-cost, super-accessible option that PurePoint accepts. Again, having all four options is going to be a bigger deal in the future when installation costs go up with changes to net metering.
Warranty Information
PurePoint’s panel options come with 25-year warranties for the equipment and the production. The efficiency warranty is a nice touch in Connecticut because it helps ensure your panels will continue offsetting your above-average energy prices for years to come.
Unfortunately, the company only includes a five-year labor warranty, which is half what most other providers include with their systems. We feel that the company’s experience mostly speaks for itself, but a lengthier protection plan would be welcome for greater peace of mind.
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Outstanding Local Installer
Facts and Figures: PurePoint Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| Not Rated |
| $$$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy Management Solutions |
Green Power Energy
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Outstanding customer service
- Multitude of products and services
Cons
- Relatively young company
Green Power Energy is well-known in the area for unmatched customer service, with most customers raving about the communication and service they receive.
The provider has limited experience in Connecticut, specifically, but we still feel it’s a good option that is well worth looking into.
Why We Chose Green Power Energy as the Best for Customer Service
Green Power Energy is a relatively small regional installer that has been in business since 2009, although it has only been working in Connecticut since 2020. As a smaller company, it’s able to focus its time and energy on pleasing customers rather than on business expansion.
It’s clear how much the company cares about customer service when you look at customer reviews. As of this writing, it has over 400 reviews on Google with an incredible rating of 4.8 stars. It also has an A+ rating with the BBB and a stellar customer score of 4.9 out of 5. You’re all but guaranteed to get great communication and hands-on, personalized service from this installer.
One great example of this is how willing the representatives are to help customers file for incentives and rebates. Ultimately, this makes your job easier and helps save the maximum amount possible on your solar equipment.
What We Don’t Like
Green Power Energy is a little on the expensive side, which is a deterrent for some customers. This is especially true in Connecticut, where the average cost of PV equipment is already above the national average. You can expect to pay around $2,000 more for a system from Green Power than you would from an average installer in the area.
Green Power Energy also has just a few years of experience providing solar solutions in Connecticut. It has been in business since 2009, but it has only been serving CT for three years. However, we do feel that its overall experience and highly-trained technicians mostly make up for this drawback.
Solar Products
Green Power Energy carries a few tier-one solar panel brands, including QCells, Panasonic, Silfab, Solaria and REC.
All of these should be able to meet your energy demands in Connecticut, but if you want the best chance of eliminating your energy bills, we’d recommend REC or Panasonic. These have the highest efficiency ratings of the lot, topping out at 20.7% and 22.2%, respectively. The panels from Solaria have the lowest per-watt cost and can help you keep conversion costs down, but they also have a lower efficiency rating of around 20.5%.
Below, we’ll include a quick list of other products and services this installer offers:
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Generac solar batteries
- Enphase Encharge solar batteries
- Tesla and Enphase solar monitoring apps
- EV charging stations — brands are not mentioned on the company’s website
- Commercial solar projects
We’re thrilled to see so many battery options being offered, and this is going to be a bigger deal in the near future when batteries are required to see maximum savings with changes to the net metering policy in Connecticut.
Financing Options
Green Power Energy accepts cash, loans and leases for its services, which we believe are the only three options most homeowners will need.
Cash is the preferred option if you can make it work, as it leads to the shortest panel payback period and the highest savings over time — an average of $58,012. Loans are more affordable upfront, but the interest you pay will bring down your savings and push up your overall system price by around $5,000 to $7,000.
A lease can be a decent option if you can’t make either of the other two work. However, leases preclude you from taking the federal credit and provide the lowest savings over time. Leases will be great options to have, though, if and when the NEM policy is updated and batteries push up installation costs.
Warranty Information
The warranty coverage from Green Power Energy is outstanding. The company covers its panels, panel efficiency and labor for 25 years.
The equipment warranty is in line with what most other companies offer. However, the efficiency warranty is about five years longer than the average, and the labor warranty is 2.5x the industry average. The labor warranty is especially useful in Connecticut, where inclement weather that can put rooftop solar panels at risk is a common occurrence.
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Outstanding Regional Installer
Facts and Figures: Green Power Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Solar Roof Shingles, EV Chargers |
EcoSmart Home Services
Top Regional Provider
Average cost
Pros
- Multitide of energy efficiency offerings
- Decades of local experience
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Expensive
EcoSmart Home Services couples standard solar services with numerous other energy efficiency upgrades, which are quite popular in areas with high energy prices, like CT.
The company is expensive and is minimally accessible, as it only accepts cash and solar loans.
Why We Chose EcoSmart Home Services as the Best for System Customization
Most solar installers in Connecticut stick to the basics, including panels, batteries and, occasionally, EV chargers. EcoSmart offers all of these services, plus energy audits, Energy Star-certified appliances and home upgrades, insulation services, generators and roof replacement and repair. That makes EcoSmart a one-stop shop for all things related to home energy efficiency. This is especially important in an area like Connecticut, where electricity costs are 1.75x the national average — 26.78 cents per kWh as opposed to 16.79 cents.
EcoSmart is a small local company, and it delivers the great customer service you’d expect from an installer of this size. Most customers are pleased with the service and communication they see from EcoSmart, as is evidenced by its above-average customer reviews. In a state with over 60 installers, this helps set EcoSmart apart from the rest.
EcoSmart also provides a robust 25-year warranty package that covers panels, production and labor. This is well in excess of the protection you’d see from most other installers, especially smaller local ones similar in size.
Lastly, it serves every township in CT, which is uncommon for such a small installer.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest downside to working with EcoSmart, in our opinion, is the cost. Its services are plentiful and come with great warranty packages, but they are more expensive than you’ll find from most competitors. In a high-cost area like Connecticut, this naturally makes its services less accessible than most. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 more for your system from EcoSmart than you would from a lower-cost installer. This is going to be a bigger drawback once batteries are a requirement to see savings in Connecticut, which is likely to happen in the next few years with changes to net metering.
Additionally, the company only accepts cash and loans as payment, so the accessibility is even less impressive. Customers looking to keep installation costs low or choose a lease or PPA will need to turn to another installer. Again, this will be a bigger issue in the future when installation costs increase.
Solar Products
EcoSmart primarily installs Panasonic panels, but it is able and willing to get panels from other manufacturers to suit your individual needs. This is just another way the company goes above and beyond to offer ultimate system customization. With that being said, Panasonic panels have an above-average efficiency rating maxing out at 22.2%, so we feel they’re a good fit for Connecticuters who see below-average amounts of sunlight per year — 194 sunny days annually as opposed to 205 throughout the rest of the country.
Below is a list of other solar products and efficiency upgrades you can get from EcoSmart:
- Solar batteries — brands aren’t mentioned, but the company does make mention that it can help you file for the ConnectedSolutions perk in CT to save money
- EV charging stations
- Generators
- Roof repair and replacement
- Insulation services
- Energy audits
- Energy Star-certified products
The battery options, in particular, are great to see, especially since net metering credit rates are expected to decrease in the future and make batteries far more valuable.
Financing Options
Unfortunately, EcoSmart only accepts cash and loans for its services. These are the only options we suggest, as they’re the most beneficial, but they aren’t nearly as accessible as leases and PPAs, so the company does have room for improvement in this area.
We recommend a cash purchase if possible, although the high per-watt prices in Connecticut and the appeal of ordering multiple energy efficiency services from the company will likely make paying in cash a challenge for most residents.
Warranty Information
Despite being a smaller local company, EcoSmart includes great warranty coverage. Your panels and production are guaranteed for 25 years, as is the quality of the labor to install your system.
The workmanship warranty is a great thing to have in Connecticut, given the risk the local weather conditions can create.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Top Regional Provider
Facts and Figures: EcoSmart Home Services
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4.5 |
| 1985 |
| $$$$ |
| Solar panel and battery installations, Energy audits, Solar water heaters, Solar generators |
| Panasonic |
| 25 years for equipment, efficiency and workmanship |
How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Connecticut
The average size of a residential solar panel system in Connecticut is 7.5 kW, which should offset the average monthly consumption of 711 kWh. Given that most solar panel systems in Connecticut cost $3.49 per watt, an average-size solar system would cost $26,175 before the federal tax credit and $18,323 after.
The initial cost to go solar in Connecticut is slightly below than the national average — $29,970 before the credit and $20,979 after. Plus, Connecticut also has one of the highest energy costs in the country, meaning you have more potential to save when you go solar. All in all, Connecticut residents stand to save more with solar than residents in most other states. The average savings in CT sit at $58,012, which is nearly double the national average of $31,513.
In Connecticut, you can save money when you go solar by:
- Taking advantage of local and federal incentives and rebates
- Comparing quotes from different solar companies
- Paying in cash or putting more money down when possible
Take Advantage of Local and Federal Incentives and Rebates
A solar contractor can help you apply for solar incentives available in your area. Connecticut residents are eligible for the following solar incentives:
| Connecticut Solar Incentive | Description |
| Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal solar tax credit is worth 30% of your entire solar panel system cost and is available to all homeowners who purchase and install their systems by December 31, 2032. The credit will decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. |
| Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems | Connecticut homeowners don’t have to pay sales tax on their solar equipment or installation services.1 Given the state tax rate of 6.35% and the average system total of $26,175, this equates to an average savings of $1,662. |
| Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | Normally, any time your home’s value increases, your property taxes will go up as well. Although solar panels boost your home value in Connecticut — if you purchase or finance them — the property tax exemption guarantees that your taxes won’t spike as a result.2 |
| Solar Loan Programs | The average cost to go solar in Connecticut is most easily afforded with solar financing, and the state makes solar loans affordable and accessible to most homeowners. There are several solar loan programs available in Connecticut that you can use to finance your panels for little or no money down and with a low interest rate.
We’ll discuss these options in greater depth below. |
| Net Energy Metering | Net metering is a billing policy that utility companies offer to help customers offset electric bills using interconnection. Basically, you can overproduce power with your panels, and your account will get credited based on the energy you send to the electric grid.3
The State of Connecticut mandates net metering. We’ll discuss the specifics of the policy below. |
Compare Quotes From Different Solar Companies
Like any other home improvement project, it’s wise to compare quotes between solar installers before you decide which one to hire.
The cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best deal. Do your research about solar panel brands, and find a reputable solar company in your area.
Pay in Cash or Put More Money Down When Possible
Paying for your solar panel system in cash upfront is the best way to avoid paying more for your solar panels through interest fees.
We understand that paying for solar panels in cash is not realistic for most people. In this case, paying a little more on your down payment or your monthly bill can help you pay for your panels faster and pay less in interest.
Cash payments will become even less viable in the future when batteries are mandatory for maximizing savings, but for now, they should remain a possibility for some homeowners.
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Connecticut?
Yes, installing solar panels will increase your home’s value. Zillow estimates that a home with solar is worth, on average, 4.1% more than a home without solar. The average home value in Connecticut is $381,629, so that’s an extra $15,646 in value added.4
In Connecticut, you don’t have to worry about paying additional property taxes either. Connecticut offers a 100% property tax exemption on the added value of your home when you install solar panels.
Should Connecticut Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?
If you have a DIY spirit, you may consider installing solar panels yourself. So, is it a good idea?
Well, it depends. Installing solar panels yourself can save you from paying labor costs, but you’ll also have to source installation equipment, secure the necessary permits to complete the project and take the time to install the panels.
Considering labor costs for solar panels typically make up around 10% or more of your final project, around $2,600 in Connecticut, you have to weigh your options.
Installing a solar system yourself has a few significant downsides. We only recommend considering a DIY solar installation if:
- You have advanced electrical contracting or solar installation experience
- You have acquired all permits and approvals
- You have the necessary supplies (including, but not limited to, a digital multimeter, battery-operated drill, hack saw, pry bar, caulk gun, conduit blender, screwdrivers, wire stripper, wire cutter and solar panel hanger)
If at least one of these does not apply to you, we strongly recommend hiring a professional.
What Should Connecticut Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
When looking for a solar installer, make sure that the solar installation company you hire operates locally, has great customer service and offers the brands and services you want. Here’s why:
Operates Locally
A solar installer local to Connecticut will understand the weather, permitting requirements and local incentives and rebates more than someone from out of state. You’ll also be able to have a contractor come out more quickly in case something goes wrong.
Great Customer Service
Communication is at the heart of customer service. You want a solar company that will communicate with you every step of the way. If there’s a delay, you should know about it. If you need a question answered, you should have a quick response.
Great customer service is at the heart of a positive solar installation experience. If a company is honest, knowledgeable and responsive, your installation will be much smoother.
In order to know whether or not a company offers great customer service, do your research. Read online reviews on trusted websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Offers the Services, Brands & Financing You Want
Maybe you’re not sure what type of solar panel system you want yet. Or maybe you have every little thing planned out.
Either way, you want to work with a solar company that offers top-quality brands and has a variety of financing options that fit your needs.
For instance, not all installers offer solar energy systems with battery storage, which is going to be a bigger deal once net metering 3.0 takes effect, as it already has in California. Other installers don’t offer solar shingles, only panels. Long story short, if a company doesn’t offer the services you need, you’ll just be wasting your time.
Most people can’t afford to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a solar system upfront, so make sure your installer offers a variety of financing options that you feel comfortable with. There are plenty of options out there, so don’t be shy in shopping around for the right fit.
If you’re ready to get connected with a solar provider that offers all of the brands, financing and services that you prefer, select one of our top providers below to get started with a professional.
The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.
Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Connecticut
There are over 60 solar installers in Connecticut, so we had our work cut out for us finding the best of the best. We ranked companies based on six main criteria that we believe are the most important for having a positive experience as a customer and getting a reliable system for your home. We’ll explain these six main factors below and explain why we think they’re so important.
- Local reputation and reviews (20%): With so much demand for solar and so much competition in Connecticut, we first sought to weed out companies that are less reputable and are more likely in the local solar industry just to turn a profit. We read through dozens of reviews for each provider to determine where they fell short of customer expectations.
- Pricing and financing (20%): Connecticut is one of the more expensive states in the country for solar equipment, with a per-watt price of $3.49, compared to the national average of $3.33. Since equipment prices are so high, we prioritized companies that maintain average or below-average pricing, as well as those that keep products and services widely accessible by accepting a myriad of payment options.
- Services offered (20%): Many Connecticut solar customers look for add-on products to customize their systems and maximize their returns on investment. Batteries are more popular than ever before because of the downgraded net metering program in CT, EV popularity is booming and making EV chargers a popular option and well-above-average electricity prices mean many customers seek out energy audits and other efficiency improvements. We give priority to installers that offer a wide array of products and services, as they will naturally appeal to more residents.
- Warranty coverage (20%): Connecticut sees about 1.5x the national average amount of rainfall each year, and it sees extreme weather regularly as a coastal state. This puts rooftop panels at an increased risk of damage, which means lengthier labor and equipment warranties are welcome. We rank companies higher than provide above-average coverage to keep systems protected.
- Company experience (10%): In areas with a high demand for solar, like Connecticut, a lot of fly-by-night companies pop up to take advantage. Unfortunately, these companies often don’t understand the local energy needs of customers, nor do they provide the same kind of customer service that more established companies do. We prioritize companies that have ten or more years of experience, especially because they’re less likely to go out of business and void your warranties in doing so.
- Brand quality (10%): Finally, we consider the panel brands offered by each installer. Connecticut has a unique mix of customers looking to avoid above-average installation prices and those looking to install peak-efficiency panels to avoid some of the country’s highest electricity prices. We prefer companies that install a range of panel brands that appeal to both groups.
FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Connecticut
At EcoWatch, we get countless questions surrounding solar energy topics every day. Below are a few of the most common questions we get. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
In our opinion, Sunlight Solar Energy is the most reputable solar company in Connecticut. It’s been in operation for over three decades. In that time, the company has amassed numerous positive customer reviews. It is highly reliable, responsive and provides some of the best services in the state.
Yes, solar panel selection is an integral part of choosing the most suitable solar installer for homeowners in Connecticut. If you have a particular brand in mind, that may define which installer you choose.
Additionally, not all solar panels are the same. Some are small; some are large. Some aren’t as efficient as others. Solar panels with high energy efficiency (in other words, they transfer a higher percentage of solar energy to electricity) are better, but they cost more.
Not all solar companies may offer the exact solar panel size, efficiency or brand that you desire. So, yes, the solar panel selection matters.
If you’re working on a tight budget, you will likely want to look for affordable solar panels. To find the Connecticut solar company that offers the most affordable rates, we recommend obtaining personalized quotes from at least three solar panel companies.
This way, you can compare each quote to determine the best fit — but make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples quotes. If one solar company gives you a quote for a smaller system or one with fewer features or less customization, it will cost less.
Based on years in operation, Sunlight Solar Energy has been in business the longest out of our top picks. The company has over 30 years of experience under its belt, surpassing its comrades by a decade or more.
There are 138 solar companies in the state of Connecticut, 56 of which are installers. This means that whether you’re in a city like New Haven or Stamford along the coast or you’re more inland, like in Hartford or Ellington, you’ll have a few options to choose from.
If you’re having difficulties narrowing your choices down to the best option, use our above list of the top five solar companies in Connecticut.
Top Solar Installers in Connecticut Cities
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- Best solar battery on the market
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