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Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Connecticut (2023 Reviews)
By Faith Wakefield /
Solar Panel Cost in Connecticut (2023 Local Savings Guide)
Here’s a quick look at the estimated cost of solar in Connecticut:
- Average Cost Per Watt: $2.80
- Cost of Average System: $15,540*
- Cost of Energy Without Solar: $63,705
- Payback Period: 8 Years**
- Lifetime Savings of Going Solar: $42,705
*Average system size is calculated using data from the Energy Information Administration. This price is after tax credit.
**Payback period is calculated assuming the system is purchased in cash.
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Cost of Solar Panels in Connecticut in 2023
Most solar panel systems in Connecticut cost homeowners around $2.80 per watt, which is higher than the national average per-watt cost of $2.66. The majority of homeowners throughout the state require a 7.5-kW system to offset their electricity costs, which comes out to an average of $21,000 before the federal tax credit or $14,700 after it’s deducted. Despite a high per-watt price, this total cost in Connecticut is lower than the national average due to smaller system requirements than in most states.
Connecticut has some of the highest energy costs in the entire country, with the average homeowner paying $161 per month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The high electricity rates coupled with the state’s great net metering program make converting to solar energy an excellent investment for most Connecticut homeowners.
Green Power Energy
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Outstanding customer service
- Multitude of products and services
Cons
- Relatively young company
SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
Outstanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Family-owned and -operated
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- 24/7 customer support
- Limited service area
- Expensive
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
Momentum Solar
Best Regional Coverage
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Only available in 11 states
Solar Panel System Installation Cost in Connecticut
Many factors will influence the total you pay to convert to clean energy, but the most significant one is the size of the system you require. System size is primarily based on monthly energy consumption, and each additional kilowatt needed will bump your total cost up by around $2,800. The table below provides average prices before and after the federal tax credit for typical solar energy system sizes in Connecticut.
| Size of Solar Panel System | Connecticut Solar Panel Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $14,000 | $9,800 |
| 6 kW | $16,800 | $11,760 |
| 7 kW | $19,600 | $13,720 |
| 8 kW | $22,400 | $15,680 |
| 9 kW | $25,200 | $17,640 |
| 10 kW | $28,000 | $19,600 |
| 11 kW | $30,800 | $21,560 |
Want to see the best solar companies in Connecticut that provide affordable and high-efficiency solar solutions? Click here.
See also: Calculate the costs and savings you can get from installing solar panels
What Determines the Cost of Solar Panels in Connecticut?
Solar panel systems in Connecticut tend to be fairly expensive, averaging around $15,540 for a standard 7.5 kW system. However, you could pay significantly more or less than this amount based on a few different things.
We’ll explain the cost factors that are most responsible for determining your solar system total below.
Solar Equipment
The solar equipment you have installed will affect your all-in cost of going solar in two primary ways. First, the brand and efficiency of the panels you install will have an impact on your price. The more efficient your panel, the higher the price tag tends to be.
Here’s why that matters in Connecticut — the state receives 194 sunny days per year, which is below the national average. In other states with more sunlight, homeowners can get by using panels with mid-range efficiency.
In Connecticut, especially in winter, most homeowners need high-efficiency panels to maximize the limited sunlight. Unfortunately, this means that the average cost of going solar will be a bit higher than normal.
Second, the type of equipment you install will affect your total price. All solar panel systems, of course, include solar panels, but many systems also include solar batteries. These are add-on products that raise your overall project costs.
The reason for this add-on product is typically severe weather; blizzards, “nor-easters,” cyclones and severe thunderstorms frequent the state, often causing extended power outages.
Solar batteries will raise your solar system prices but offer insurance against the costly blackouts that can occur in Connecticut.
Solar Financing in Connecticut
The payment method you use for your solar panels can also affect your all-in cost.
- Paying with cash means you won’t be subject to any interest charges, so you’ll have paid less for your system when all is said and done.
- Choosing a solar loan means your upfront costs will be lower, but you’ll pay more in the long run because of the interest.
- Leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) will typically cost the least, but they also save you the least over time.
As far as government-backed financing goes, Connecticut has limited options for most homeowners. There is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, but it’s only for businesses. There are also currently no accessible loan options for low-income households available.
Connecticut Solar Installation Company
Your price will also depend, in part, on the solar installer you choose. Your selected company could offer discounts or upcharges on equipment, and all companies charge a unique price for labor.
Even identical systems installed by different companies can be hundreds or thousands of dollars apart in price.
A company’s pricing also depends partially on the products it offers, which can affect your system’s overall quality. For example, one of the best solar companies in Connecticut, Green Power Energy, LLC, installs panels manufactured by SolarEdge, LG, Tesla, QCells, Enphase and Jinko Solar.
These brands are all less expensive — but may also be considered lower quality — than Maxeon solar panels, which are installed by SunPower, a national company operating in Connecticut. For that reason, hiring SunPower will almost always be more costly than hiring Green Power Energy, even if the quality of the workmanship itself is no different.
Additional Considerations and Costs in Connecticut
Below are some additional considerations you’ll likely want to make when deciding to go solar in Connecticut.
- Permits: Building permits for solar systems are a requirement in Connecticut. You should confirm with your installer that its technicians will file for permits, as only those with an electrical contractor’s license can do so.
- Interconnection: All solar installers in Connecticut must be approved by your local utility via an interconnection agreement (also known as an agreement to connect). Part of reaching this agreement involves your utility inspecting and signing off on your system. Usually, utilities will charge a fee for this work. The application fee with Eversource, for example, is $200. Your solar installer will handle the paperwork and logistics, but it’s good to be aware of ahead of time.
- Warranties: Your solar panel warranty protects your investment and can save you from massive repair or replacement costs if something goes wrong. The best solar warranties cover performance, installation and equipment, and some also include coverage for roof penetration and leaks.
- HOAs: Connecticut is one of the few states left that hasn’t adopted any solar rights laws. As such, your homeowners association (HOA) can prevent you from installing solar, so you’ll want to get permission first.
- Environmental zoning: The zoning laws in Connecticut might prevent you from installing ground-mounted solar panels, but you shouldn’t have any issues with rooftop solar systems.
Learn More About Purchasing Solar Panels
Connecticut Solar Panel Incentives
All homeowners in Connecticut have the benefit of the many incentives and rebates provided by the federal and state governments. Ultimately, these incentives serve to make solar power more accessible, and they make solar equipment more valuable for residents. We’ll discuss the incentives available to Connecticut homeowners below.
Federal Solar Tax Credit For Connecticut Homeowners
The most attractive incentive available to Connecticut residents is the federal solar investment tax credit, commonly abbreviated as “ITC.” This credit is for 30% of your system cost, and it gets deducted from your federal income taxes owed — or paid via check if you get money back. In Connecticut, where the average system cost is $21,000, that’s a typical rebate of $6,300.
U.S. homeowners are eligible for the 30% tax credit through 2032. The credit will decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before it’s phased out in 2035.
Net Metering Policies in Connecticut
Net metering is a billing policy offered by many electric providers and mandated by a number of states, including Connecticut. It allows your electric meter to run backward. All excess energy you produce and send to the grid will be credited against the power you pull from the grid when your panels are underproducing, like on a cloudy day or at night. The policy makes it significantly easier to eliminate electric bills.
Net metering is available in Connecticut, although the rate at which overproduction is credited will vary based on your electric company. Most homeowners will have Eversource net metering, which is a great option. Energy credits for overproduction will accrue throughout the year and help reduce electric bills year-round.
The credits will zero out annually, and you’ll be paid for any energy you produced over the electricity you used. Eversource doesn’t pay the full retail value when zeroing out your credits, but you can still get paid by your electric company instead of the other way around.
Local Solar Rebates in Connecticut
Finally, there are some local solar rebates available to Connecticut homeowners as well.
First, Connecticut offers a sales and use tax exemption, which means you won’t pay sales tax on your solar equipment. With a usual system cost of $21,000 and an average sales tax rate of 6.35%, that’s a typical savings of $1,333.50.
Second, Connecticut offers a property tax exemption for solar installations. Most home improvements that increase your home value also bump up your property taxes. While installing solar will cause your property value to go up, Connecticut’s property tax incentive means your property taxes won’t increase due to the solar conversion. This could mean savings of thousands of dollars over the life of the solar electric system.
As of the end of 2021, the Residential Solar Investment Program from the Connecticut Green Bank Solar Program is no longer available. However, it has been replaced with the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), which establishes new rules for selling excess energy and net metering.
Solar incentives in Connecticut change frequently, so it’s best to check the DSIRE database for additional rebates, grants and other benefits.
The Best Solar Panel Brands Available in Connecticut
There are many solar panel brands available in Connecticut, but the right solar panels for you are those that fit into your budget and are efficient enough to provide your home with the energy it needs.
The table below provides a pricing comparison for the top solar brands to give you an idea of how the options stack up against one another.
| Solar Panel Brand | Average Cost Per Watt ($-$$$$$) |
| LG Solar | $$$ |
| Canadian Solar | $$$ |
| JA Solar | $$ |
| Mission Solar | $$ |
| Panasonic | $$ |
| Q Cells | $$ |
| REC | $$$ |
| Silfab | $$$ |
| SunPower | $$$$$ |
| Tesla | $$ |
| Trina Solar | $$$ |
Ready to get a quote for a solar system customized to your home and your energy needs? Just select one of our top providers below, and we’ll have a licensed and experienced installer in your area reach out with a free estimate.
Read More About Going Solar
FAQs: Solar Panel Cost Connecticut
The EcoWatch team gets many questions from Connecticut residents about the process and cost of going solar. Below are some of the questions we see most often, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Solar isn’t cheap in Connecticut, with an above-average per-watt price of $2.80. For the typical 7.5-kW system required to offset electricity usage in the area, that comes out to $21,000 before the federal tax credit or $14,700 after the rebate. Although solar installations are relatively expensive in CT, most homeowners end up saving in the long run due to the high electricity costs.
Additionally, your price may vary depending on your energy consumption, home size, roof orientation, shading from trees on your property and more. It’s best to get a quote from a reputable solar installer that will assess your home and your specific needs.
Yes, solar panels boost property value in Connecticut. According to data from Zillow, most homes experience a value bump of around 4.1%. In Connecticut, where the average property value is $334,304, that’s an average increase of $13,706.
It’s important to note that your home value will only increase if you buy your equipment outright or acquire it with a solar loan. Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) do not boost your home value.
No, solar panels are never free in Connecticut. Companies that advertise “free panels” aren’t really offering free panels. Instead, they’re trying to get you to sign a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), neither of which is advisable.
With that being said, many homeowners in Connecticut effectively get their solar panel systems for free and even save money after the system is paid off. The average expected lifetime savings from going solar in CT is a massive $42,705, given the high electricity costs avoided with an appropriately-sized photovoltaic system. Those savings don’t even account for the average property value increase of $13,706.
Yes! Connecticut receives a good amount of sunlight and has an excellent net metering policy, which means eliminating your electric bills in CT is relatively easy even if you don’t have a solar battery. Most homeowners throughout the state need at least a 7.5-kW system to offset electricity costs entirely.
The cost of your solar system will always be an important factor, but it’s usually not the most crucial one in Connecticut. Electricity rates are higher in CT than in most states, so the added savings you’ll enjoy when opting for solar panels with a high production capacity usually far outweighs the higher upfront cost of higher-efficiency equipment.
