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

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

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 Montville solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Montville?

Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies (local option)

Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

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

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems

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%

Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions

Incentive Type:
Green Building Incentive

Smart-E loans

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Energy Conservation Loan

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

The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff

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

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

(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

Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Locally determined

Norwich Public Utilities (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Electric Water Heaters: $60
Window Air Conditioners: $60
Single Package and Split System Unitary AC Equipment: $200-$300/ton
Air Source Heat Pump Equipment: $200-$300/ton
Water/Ground Source Heat Pump Equipment: $150/ton

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/


The term "solar incentives" includes a wide range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are handled by the Connecticut government or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk to your Montville utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.

Best National Provider

SunPower

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5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
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  • 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 thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.

The ITC can be credited towards the value of a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, labor, equipment and accessories), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Montville solar panel installer to get more information.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022, and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Montville solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local solar incentives could come from your county or municipality, or from the Connecticut government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Montville

There are a number of different solar incentives: those provided by the federal government, those provided by the Connecticut government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. The use of solar energy has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. It is a good idea to talk to your local Montville solar installer for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar system.

EcoWatch's Montville, CT Solar Incentives FAQs

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 200 pounds annually, or around 4,000 pounds in 20 years.

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

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

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you discuss your ideas with your local Montville solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you will or won't qualify for.

Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

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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