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

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

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 Somers 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

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 Somers?

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/


Solar incentives help mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are in place to encourage more homeowners to switch their home over to renewable energy. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Connecticut or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Somers utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates can be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, equipment and accessories — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

To more fully understand how the ITC might apply to your situation, get in touch with your local Somers solar panel installer and ask for 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. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. The total credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until its expiration. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Somers solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives might be offered by the Connecticut government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Somers

The large number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the Connecticut government, the federal government or your local utility company. Your local Somers solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you may qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.

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 Somers, CT Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I want to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many will apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.

How do I know if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those given out by the Connecticut government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Somers solar installer to discover what incentives your project will qualify for.

I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Somers solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you qualify for.

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

When you add solar panels to your Somers home, you can anticipate savings of around $1,151.22 per year, or around $21,873.10 over the next 20 years.

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

To discover the best solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Somers.

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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