Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Connecticut (2023 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?
- How can I save money on my solar installation in Connecticut?
What Are Connecticut’s Top 7 Solar Energy Companies?
With favorable solar policies and high energy costs, many Connecticut residents are turning to solar to decrease their electric bill and their carbon footprint.
If you are a Connecticut resident looking to install solar on your property, you’re in luck: you have plenty of reputable solar companies to choose from.
We’ve researched all of the top solar companies in the state, and came up with our favorites. Here are the top seven solar installers in Connecticut that we recommend:
- Green Power Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Sunlight Solar Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Momentum Solar: Outstanding Regional Installer
- SunPower by New York State Solar Farm: Best Warranty Coverage
- PurePoint Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Earthlight Technologies: Outstanding Regional Installer
- EnergyPal: Outstanding Solar Advisor
If you’d like to learn more about why we chose each company, click the “Why We Chose…” box under each installer below.
Green Power Energy
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 expanded into Connecticut in 2020, and now installs solar panels all around the state from its Durham, CT location. Although Green Power Energy’s move to Connecticut is fairly recent, it has been operating in New Jersey since 2009 and has years of experience and excellent customer service under its belt.
While most other Connecticut companies only offer solar panels and batteries, Green Power Energy is a full-service energy solutions company that offers solar panels, solar roofs, solar batteries and electric vehicle charger installations — in line with Connecticut’s goal to reach 0% carbon by 2040.
Getting started with Green Power Energy is straightforward, and you won’t be dealing with any pushy salespeople. Instead, when you first reach out to the company over the phone, a representative will simply listen to your energy-related needs.
Next, you’ll schedule an in-person consultation with one of Green Power’s professionals. You’ll be able to discuss the best way to approach a solar panel installation for your home and get a free quote.
Although Green Power Energy may be more expensive than other companies, we still love this company because of its personal approach to solar installations and longstanding reputation in the industry.
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 |
Sunlight Solar Energy
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 over 30 years in the solar industry and has locations across Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado and Massachusetts. Sunlight Solar’s Connecticut location has an excellent 4.9 score on Google reviews, with many Connecticut customers praising the company’s quick, reliable and friendly service.
A Sunlight Solar professional will work with you directly to design a solar system customized to your home and household energy needs. Sunlight solar will even go above and help you apply for local and federal solar incentives available to Connecticut residents.
Your consultant will also check the guidelines of your utility company, homeowners association (HOA) and Historic District (if applicable) to ensure your project complies. Considering Connecticut has many historical areas, it’s great to have an experienced expert on your side.
We don’t rank Sunlight Solar number one because its warranty coverage is slightly more limited than its competitors (even though it meets the industry standard). You may also pay more than other solar companies, but the personal communication and customer service will make it worth your while.
Facts and Figures: Sunlight Solar Energy
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
Momentum Solar
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Only available in 11 states
With a firm presence in the Northeast, Momentum focuses its energy on the quality of its regional services. Because they install regionally, they understand the freezing winter weather conditions that Northeastern states like Connecticut experience.
We also love that Momentum solar prioritizes finding solar rebates and incentives for its customers. Momentum will help you save money through Connecticut’s government solar programs.
Overall, Momentum has high customer satisfaction thanks to its quality workmanship and customer service. Its in-house installation process allows for faster turnaround times and happier customers.
One negative aspect of Momentum is that some critical reviews note overzealous sales techniques, which turned some customers away. Momentum has also faced allegations of systemic racism throughout the organization, but EcoWatch has not independently verified any of these claims.
Facts and Figures: Momentum Solar
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4.5 |
A+ |
2009 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Q Cells, REC, Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar and others depending on location |
25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranties |
SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Family-owned and -operated
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- 24/7 customer support
- Limited service area
- Expensive
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
New York State Solar Farm is a certified SunPower dealer in New York State. They’re a go-to installer for all things SunPower, a trusted brand that operates nationwide.
This family-owned solar company is based in New York and its service area extends to Western Connecticut. That means you’ll get the service of a small business with the guarantee of a nationally recognized brand.
New York State Solar Farm will work with you through every step of your solar panel installation to design and implement the perfect, customized solar system for you. With a 4.9 star rating on over 150 Google reviews, New York State Solar Farm has impressively high consumer satisfaction.
Because New York State Solar Farm is a SunPower dealer, they offer a smaller selection of solar brands than other companies. And unfortunately, its service area does not extend to Eastern Connecticut.
For those reasons, we cannot rank SunPower by New York State Solar Farm as one of the top three solar companies in Connecticut, despite being a highly reputable and trusted company in New York.
Facts and Figures: SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
PurePoint Energy
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Makes charitable contributions
- Many financing options
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Expensive
PurePoint Energy has been offering solar services for over 15 years, and while it offers commercial solar solutions to property owners across the state, its residential system installations are limited to Southwestern Connecticut.
Like New York State Solar Farm, PurePoint Energy is a certified SunPower solar installer. To become a SunPower dealer, a company goes through a rigorous certification process, which means you can feel confident your solar investment is in good hands with PurePoint’s electricians and technicians.
Another reason we like PurePoint Energy is that it’s connected to the communities it serves in Connecticut. The company supports local nonprofit organizations like Live Green Connecticut and visits schools to give presentations on solar power and the future of clean energy.
We don’t rank PurePoint Energy higher for residents of Connecticut because this company only offers residential solar installations in Southwest Connecticut. PurePoint Energy primarily specializes in solar installations for agricultural properties, commercial properties, and non-profits, which it completes across Connecticut and New York.
Facts and Figures: PurePoint Energy
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
Not Rated |
$$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy Management Solutions |
Earthlight Technologies
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- NABCEP-certified technicians
Cons
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
Earthlight technologies has helped hundreds of homeowners, businesses and farms in Connecticut go solar since 2008.
Earthlight is locally based in Ellington, CT, and they know the ins and outs of going solar in Connecticut. One of Earthlight’s solar professionals can help you navigate the state’s generous incentives and apply for the federal tax credit.
Connecticut has one of the highest energy rates in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that the state is a leader in new solar adoption. Earthlight taps into this demand to help its customers save on utility bills and lower their carbon usage.
Because Earthlight is a smaller business compared to nationally operated solar companies like SunPower, you may wait longer for your installation. Some customer reviews mention longer-than-usual timelines to complete solar projects.
Facts and Figures: Earthlight Technologies
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
EnergyPal
Average cost
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Matches homeowners with the best installers for their jobs
- Can answer all of your outstanding solar questions
Cons
- Services and offerings vary based on your location
EnergyPal is a progressive solar company offering unbiased service with the goal of helping you understand your energy needs. Unlike other companies that only carry certain brands (often pushing those brands on all its customers), EnergyPal first helps you decide what brand, package and setup would best suit your needs. It can then pair you with one of its vetted, partner contractors that will carry out the installation itself.
Since EnergyPal is an advisor rather than a contractor itself, it has a far lower overhead than most other solar contracting companies, and therefore, can offer solar packages at much lower prices.
The downside of Energy Pal is that its services will depend slightly on the service area that you live in. Although its partners are trusted, reliable and have outstanding reviews, its exact warranties and services will vary from state to state, even region to region.
Facts and Figures: EnergyPal
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4 |
A+ |
2008 |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
SunPower, REC, Qcells, Solaria, Mission |
Varies by location |
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. Given that most solar panel systems in Connecticut cost $2.80 per watt, an average-size solar system would cost $21,000 before the federal tax credit and $14,700 after.
Although the initial cost to go solar in Connecticut is slightly higher than the national average, Connecticut also has one of the highest energy costs in the country, meaning you have more potential to save when you go solar.
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 $21,000, this equates to an average savings of $1,334. |
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.
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Connecticut?
Yes, installing solar panels on your home will increase its 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 $360,650, so that’s an extra $14,787 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 $2,100 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 do 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. 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.
Methodology: How We Ranked Connecticut’s Solar Companies
We strive for our solar reviews to holistically and fairly evaluate all of the solar companies we research. Although we assess each solar company on an individual basis, our methodology primarily focus on the following:
Local Reputation and Reviews (30%)
A solar company that operates across the U.S. may have positive reviews in other states, but we are concerned specifically about what customers in Connecticut thought about their solar installations.
That’s why locally-based solar companies with great customer service rank the highest on our list. We love companies that go above and beyond to help their customers apply for local incentives and learn about Connecticut’s unique policies, weather and history. This maximizes your home energy savings and makes your experience better.
A non-local company may not understand the local weather conditions in the Northeast or be unable to navigate permitting in historical districts.
Years In the Industry (20%)
Although experience isn’t everything, we believe that older companies tend to be more knowledgeable, financially stable and less likely to go out of business than newer companies. Newer companies are often trying to break into the industry, and many yet aren’t even turning a profit.
We’ve found that older companies tend to surpass their newer competitors in terms of service, reliability and knowledge simply due to the experience that comes from years in the field.
Warranty Coverage (20%)
A 25-year warranty is the industry standard for products and product performance. 10-year workmanship coverage is also standard. But not all warranties are created equal. We rate companies that offer longer, comprehensive warranties on their solar products, labor and production. Anything less, and we’ll dock points.
Solar Pricing and Financing (20%)
We think that everyone should have as many options as possible when choosing how to pay for their solar installation. We prefer solar companies that offer cash payments, solar loans and solar leases as part of their financing offerings.
Cheaper solar panels aren’t necessarily better, but we do look at each company’s pricing. If a company is generally more expensive than its competitors, we may dock points, as we want solar to be accessible.
Solar Services and Brands Offered (10%)
We consider what solar services each installer offers outside of solar panels. Does the company offer solar batteries? Solar shingles? EV chargers? Energy-efficiency upgrades? We also consider the range and quality of brands a company offers.
In general, we believe that more options are better for the consumer. However, if an installer has carefully curated its lineup with high-quality, trusted brands only, we also consider this to be positive.
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.
Related articles
Top Installers For Connecticut
Comparing authorized solar partners
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- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Outstanding customer service
- Multitude of products and services
- Relatively young company
A+Outstanding Regional Installer
Having trouble deciding? Click below and use our process to receive multiple quotes instead: