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

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

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 Redding solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Redding?

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

Energy Efficiency Fund (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Financing

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$25,000

(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" generally refers to financial incentives designed to encourage the use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives can include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Connecticut and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to speak with your Redding utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, accessories and equipment — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Contacting your local Redding solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to you.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. At this point, the percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the end of the program in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Redding solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Rebates, tax credits and more might be claimed at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Your local solar incentives may come from the Connecticut government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Redding

There are a number of different solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those given by the Connecticut government and those given by the federal government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. Talking to your local Redding solar panel installer is a great first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

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

EcoWatch's Redding, CT Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Redding annually?

On average, homeowners in Redding who install solar panels save about $1,306.85 per year, or about $24,830.14 over 20 years after they make the switch.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 200 pounds annually, or roughly 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 claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with 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.

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

Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Redding solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.

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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