2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Darien, CT - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Darien.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Darien solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Darien?

Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions

Incentive Type:
Green Building Incentive

Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of value added by renewable system

Energy Conservation Loan

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Single family homes (1-4 family units): $25,000
Landlord Loan: $40,000

Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Locally determined
Learn more:

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Residential Solar Investment Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Customer-owned (EPBB):
Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W
10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W
Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%.

Third-Party-Owned (PBI):
Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years
Minimum Design Factor 60%

(Electric and Gas) Residential Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Ductless Heat Pump: $500
Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Central A/C: $200
Air Source Heat Pumps: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $750
Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500
High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800

Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
$100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation) Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies (local option)

Smart-E loans

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
$98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation)

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Various kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the Connecticut government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Darien utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your home.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Federal Solar Incentives

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, accessories and equipment. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

Talking to your local Darien solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to you.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022, and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit for 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, speak with your local Darien solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates and more can be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Connecticut government. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Darien

The expanding number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Connecticut government. Talking to your local Darien solar panel installation expert is a great first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Darien, CT Solar Incentives FAQs

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can lower your carbon footprint by 200 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to around 4,000 pounds in 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can get?

The new Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money you can.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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