2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Plymouth, CT - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 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 Plymouth solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Plymouth?

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
Learn more:

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" broadly refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the state of Connecticut or your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Plymouth utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. A federal incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, labor and accessories. You can claim this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.

Your local Plymouth solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

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. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will be decreased slightly each year until the end of the current program. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, get in touch with your local Plymouth solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives may be offered by the Connecticut government, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Plymouth

The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up tremendously in the past 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the Connecticut government, the federal government or your local utility company. Reach out to your local solar panel installation company today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Plymouth 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Plymouth, CT Solar Incentives FAQs

My home already has solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?

An excellent idea would be to talk to someone from the company that installed your system — or speak to a local Plymouth solar installer — to better understand which incentives you may qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my Plymouth home?

When you add solar panels to your house in Plymouth, you can expect to save approximately $1,151.15 per year, or approximately $21,871.83 over 20 years.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Plymouth.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 200 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 4,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

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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