Connecticut Solar Incentives (Rebates, Tax Credits & More in 2023)
By Faith Wakefield /
In this guide on Connecticut’s best solar companies, you’ll learn:
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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 $42,705 on average over the lifespan of the solar array. While converting to solar in CT is an easy decision to make, choosing an installer to handle your solar project is another story entirely, especially since there are more than 60 installers to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing what we believe are the best solar companies in Connecticut, including their pricing, services, financing options, warranty coverage and more. We’ll also explain what we recommend prioritizing when choosing a company to make sure you get the best value for your money.
We’ve spent hours researching solar providers in your area, picking apart the reviews and company websites to make sure we only recommend the best of the best. Below are what we found to be the best solar companies in Connecticut.
Overall, we recommend you consider SunPower or Momentum Solar for your solar needs in Connecticut. We’ll provide a side-by-side look at these companies as well as the other contenders in the table below to help you decide which might be best suited to handle your solar panel installation.
Solar Providers | Superlative | Our Score | Avg Cost ($–$$$$$) | Warranty | Financing Options | Get Quote |
SunPower | Best National Provider | 5/5 | $$$$ | Minimum of 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Tesla | Best Technology | 4/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Momentum Solar | Best Regional Provider | 4.5/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Sunlight Solar Energy | Most Experienced Installer | 4.5/5 | $$$$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan | Get Quote |
PurePoint Energy | Best Social Impact | 4/5 | $$$$$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 5 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Green Power Energy | Best Customer Service | 4.5/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease | Get Quote |
EcoSmart Home Services | Best for System Customization | 4.5 | $$$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan | Get Quote |
Pros
Cons
SunPower delivers the top-performing panels in the industry, great customer service and a wealth of financing options to keep solar accessible.
The company comes at a high cost, but we feel the multiple payment options still make it a great option for all Connecticuters.
Why We Chose SunPower as the Best National Provider
We believe SunPower is one of the best solar installers in the entire country, let alone Connecticut. It is known for manufacturing the highest-efficiency panels in the industry, which are ideal for ensuring you offset your energy consumption. This is especially helpful in an area like Connecticut, where electricity rates are higher than in most other states.
SunPower is a large national company, but it still delivers good customer service in most cases. More importantly, its products and services are backed by industry-leading warranty coverage, which means it delivers peace of mind that your system will last and continue saving you money, even through Connecticut’s frequent extreme weather.
Lastly, the company accepts several payment options, including low-cost leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). This helps keep solar accessible in Connecticut, where per-watt prices for photovoltaic (PV) equipment are some of the highest in the country.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest downside to working with SunPower is the price. The company has higher costs than most others, but we do feel that the quality you get for the money is excellent, and the price is, overall, worthwhile. Still, it would be nice to see lower installation costs, especially in CT, where prices already tend to be high.
Additionally, SunPower only installs panels from its sister company, Maxeon. We like to see providers offering a few different panel brands to give customers options. This would help give homeowners the opportunity to choose either high-efficiency panels to boost long-term savings or low-cost panels to keep installation costs to a minimum.
Read our full review of SunPower for more information.
Solar Products
As mentioned above, SunPower only installs Maxeon panels. These panels are widely considered the best in the entire solar industry, and they deliver industry-leading power production that maximizes your solar savings. They’re ideal for places like Connecticut that receive below-average amounts of sunlight and have above-average energy rates. However, we would like to see other brands being offered.
In addition to the panels from its sister company, SunPower offers the following products and services:
Financing Options
SunPower accepts cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases and PPAs, which means most Connecticut homeowners will be able to find an option that works for them.
We recommend a cash purchase overall, as this will help you avoid paying interest and will deliver the highest possible solar savings. A loan will be more accessible and is still a great option, but it does lead to fewer savings over time and a higher all-in system cost because of the interest.
We don’t recommend leases or PPAs unless the other two options aren’t realistic for you. Neither lets you take the federal tax credit, and both deliver reduced savings.
Warranty Information
SunPower includes a massive 25-year, all-inclusive warranty for its products and services. It covers the equipment, the panel efficiency and the workmanship, giving you total peace of mind, even when the state gets hit with extreme weather. If you choose Maxeon panels through SunPower, that coverage is bumped up to 40 years.
We believe the workmanship warranty is the best coverage to have in CT. The state sees about 1.5x the average amount of rainfall, which can quickly expose issues with panel installation and lead to roof leaks.
Overall, SunPower’s systems should last longer than average, usually between 35 and 45 years.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Pros
Cons
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.
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 one of the highest in the country, 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.
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:
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. 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.
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, 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.
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 |
Pros
Cons
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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:
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.
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.
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 |
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
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.
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.
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.
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, 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 higher efficiency ratings than Solaria panels. However, choosing Solaria panels means lower costs per watt, so they could help keep your installation costs down.
Below is a list of other products and services you can get access to when you go solar with this provider:
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 $6,300 in Connecticut.
We would like to see the provider accept leases and PPAs as well, just to keep customers’ options open and to appeal to homeowners in different financial situations.
Warranty Information
Sunlight Solar Energy offers a 25-year warranty package for the panels and solar production. The equipment coverage is average, and the efficiency warranty is five years longer than many other companies offer.
You also get a ten-year workmanship and labor warranty, which is the average in the solar industry. In high-risk areas like Connecticut, we prefer to see longer coverage for the labor, but we do feel that this installer’s experience should help reduce the risk of panel damage from rain or inclement weather.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
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. 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).
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.
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, and 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.
Additionally, the workmanship warranty offered by this company is only five years, which is half the national 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, 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:
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.
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.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
Not Rated |
$$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy Management Solutions |
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
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 nearly 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.
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. 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.
Below, we’ll include a quick list of other products and services this installer offers:
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. Loans are more affordable upfront, but the interest you pay will bring down your savings and push up your overall system price.
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.
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.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Solar Roof Shingles, EV Chargers |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, so we feel they’re a good fit for Connecticuters who see below-average amounts of sunlight per year.
Below is a list of other solar products and efficiency upgrades you can get from EcoSmart:
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.
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 |
Watch Below: Why Are Solar Batteries Important and Will CT Pay You To Install One?
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:
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. |
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.
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.
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.
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:
If at least one of these do not apply to you, we strongly recommend hiring a professional.
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:
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Comparing authorized solar partners
Having trouble deciding? Click below and use our process to receive multiple quotes instead: