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Connecticut has been investing in its solar energy market for decades. The Constitution State ranks in the top 25 states for solar generation, with about 3.6% of its energy coming from solar power. Connecticut is expected to increase its solar capacity by 94% over the next five years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
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With so much momentum building for solar energy in Connecticut, now is a great time for residents to consider going solar. Even with the upfront costs of installing solar, you can reap long-term rewards with Connecticut solar panels. Keep reading to learn more about solar panel costs, financing options, solar panel companies, and CT solar incentives in 2023.
You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.
The cost of solar panels in Connecticut depends on where you live, the size and configuration of your system, the components included, local labor and permitting costs, and more. According to data from Find Energy, the average cost of solar panels in Connecticut is $3.75 per watt, with a typical system size of 7 kilowatts (kW). This rate results in a total cost of $26,250 before Connecticut solar incentives and tax credits.
| System Size (kW) | Total Cost | Number of solar panels* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 7 kW | $26,250 | 18–23 |
| U.S. | 8.6 kW | $31,558 | 22–29 |
*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.
Installing solar panels in Connecticut allows you to generate significant long-term energy savings. Here’s how:
For example, the average electricity bill in Connecticut is currently $226.73 per month. The average Connecticut 7 kW solar system costs $18,375 (after the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit). This would allow you to fully recoup your costs in about six years.
| System size | Total cost | Number of panels* |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $11,250 | 8–10 |
| 5 kW | $18,750 | 13–17 |
| 7 kW | $26,250 | 18–24 |
| 9 kW | $33,750 | 23–30 |
| 11 kW | $41,250 | 28–38 |
| 13 kW | $48,750 | 33–43 |
*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.
Because the popularity of solar is on the rise, there are many solar panel companies in Connecticut with different marketing tactics. However, please proceed with caution if a company is advertising “free solar panels Connecticut.” Solar panels are a home improvement project and a financial investment. Regardless of financing methods or incentives and rebates, there will always be a cost associated with going solar.
The federal government and many state and local governments have financial incentives to help reduce the cost of solar panels. First, a solar tax credit Connecticut residents can apply for is the Residential Clean Energy Credit. This federal solar tax credit can help you recover thousands of dollars on your solar panel system. It is currently 30% and will last until 2032, but it will lower to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before expiring in 2035 if it is not renewed. Learn more in our detailed guide on how to apply for the solar tax credit.
Several other Connecticut solar incentives can make your solar energy investment more affordable:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | This is a 30% federal tax credit you can apply to the purchase of solar systems from the beginning of 2022 until 2032. |
| Sales and Property Tax Exemptions | You won’t have to pay sales tax on the purchase of solar panels in Connecticut, and you’ll avoid additional property taxes on your home’s increased value. |
| Net Metering | Connecticut utilities credit customers for the excess solar power they generate, allowing you to save even more on your utility bills. The state’s utilities offer “tariff” options for customers to sell back energy credits. Currently, Connecticut utilities United Illuminating and Eversource will buy any solar energy generated at 29.43 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or the current market rate, depending on which option customers choose. |
Like residents throughout the Constitution State, anyone who installs solar panels in Bridgeport can take advantage of statewide programs such as property and sales tax exemptions and the Residential Solar Incentive Program. Rebates and net metering credits are also available through United Illuminating Co., the utility company in Bridgeport.
If you want to take advantage of Connecticut solar power in New Haven, you have access to the same statewide solar incentives as residents in other cities.
Planning a solar panel installation in Connecticut has plenty of benefits, including reducing your energy costs, establishing energy independence, and helping the environment.
One of the most significant benefits of installing solar panels on your home is that they can reduce your energy costs. When you have solar energy powering your home, you’ll require less electricity from the traditional energy grid. Depending on your energy costs and the amount of power your panels can generate, you could save thousands each year.
Another perk of solar panels in Connecticut is they can help reduce your energy dependence, meaning you’re not reliant on the traditional electricity grid to power your home. Energy independence can help you avoid power outages during storms, downed power lines, and more, especially if you install a solar battery with your solar system. Additionally, energy independence can help you avoid price hikes during seasons of high energy demand.
Traditional electricity generation can harm the environment, emitting carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change. However, solar is a clean and renewable resource, and its generation doesn’t create the same harmful environmental effects. As a result, solar panels can help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
When you decide to install solar panels on your home, you can choose to buy or lease your panels. You can also explore options for solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and community solar. We’ll outline the pros and cons of each in the following table.
| Payment Method | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | Highest long-term savings, complete ownership, eligible for incentives | Highest upfront cost |
| Solar loan | Eventual ownership, eligible for Connecticut solar incentives, long-term savings | Interest fees cut into some ROI |
| Solar lease | No installation costs or maintenance, can still get some lower energy costs | No panel ownership, no incentives, may have to pass lease on when you move |
| Power purchase agreement | No installation costs or maintenance, can still get some lower energy costs | No panel ownership, no incentives, less long-term savings |
| Community solar | No installation costs or maintenance, still get some lower energy costs, easy to subscribe | No panel ownership, no incentives, less long-term savings |
Overall, purchasing panels outright allows you to maximize your return on investment and realize the full benefits of your home’s increased value — which can be $15,000 on average. However, this option isn’t realistic for everyone, and other solar programs offer a great way for many to access the benefits of solar panels in Connecticut.
There are a wide variety of solar panel companies in Connecticut. With so many options, it’s hard to know how to find the best solar company in CT. You can use the solar resources on SaveOnEnergy to familiarize yourself with the solar industry before making your decision. Here are several solar installers in Connecticut to consider during your search:
| Solar installer | Year founded | Financing options | Warranty terms |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2011 | Cash purchase or solar loan | 25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee |
 | 2009 | Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease | 25-year quality of work and 25-year product warranties |
 | 2018 | Cash payment or solar loan | 30-year performance warranty, 25-year panel warranty, and 25-year quality guarantee |
The solar contractor you choose is as important as the equipment itself. The right installer will help you navigate the process from start to finish, including important decisions about how to finance your system. When comparing your options for a solar contractor, consider these four aspects in particular:
There are plenty of benefits to installing solar panels on your home, but some important considerations may indicate they aren’t right for everyone. Here are a few factors to keep in mind before signing a contract:
A full residential solar panel system in Connecticut costs about $26,250 on average. Ultimately, your energy needs, system size, local labor costs, and other factors will determine your solar panel costs. If you plan your solar installation well, you could recoup the cost of solar panels in Connecticut in about six years.
The amount you could save by investing in solar power depends on how much you spend on electricity. Connecticut residents with solar panels could save an average of $2,700 per year based on the state’s current average monthly electricity bill.
Yes, you can use any solar energy you generate to charge your car, just as you can use it to power appliances in your home. It’s helpful to have a smart charging station to manage when power is diverted to your car versus other uses, as this will make your electric vehicle charging even more efficient.
The Hanwha Q CELLS Peak Duo is one of our top picks for solar panels with maximum power output and efficient energy production. These panels are a good choice in areas like Connecticut, as they’re rated well for snowy conditions.
Unlike traditional electricity generation, solar production doesn’t emit carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change. As a result, switching to solar can help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint. Unlike fossil fuels, it’s fully renewable, so installing more solar panels doesn’t diminish the capacity for solar energy production.
