Solar Energy in Connecticut: Facts, Statistics, Companies

Solar Energy in Connecticut

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

Going solar in Connecticut

In Connecticut, an average home needs a 6kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $3.75 in Connecticut, a 6kW system can cost around $22,478 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Select your county by clicking on the map and see the potential generated solar power and panel pricing. See how it compares with the US state average.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Connecticut: $18,731US Average: $18,171
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Connecticut: 8 yearsUS Average: 11 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Connecticut: $29,870US Average: $14,760

Solar Potential in Connecticut

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Connecticut.

Roof size 545sq. ft.
Capacity 7.63kW DC
Electricity 8.7kkWh AC per yr.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Compare solar panels by system size in Connecticut

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $817 a year
Est. Price
$7,493
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,736 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.66 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 30 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,636 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,225 a year
Est. Price
$11,239
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,104 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $102
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.99 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 46 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,454 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,634 a year
Est. Price
$14,985
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,473 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $136
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 61 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,272 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,042 a year
Est. Price
$18,731
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,841 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $170
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.65 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 76 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,091 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,451 a year
Est. Price
$22,478
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,209 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $203
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.97 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 91 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,879 mi less a year

Connecticut solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Connecticut has 20 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

Solar incentives in CT

The United Illuminating Company - ZREC and LREC Long Term Contracts

Value:Up to $98.18

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Low-Interest Loans for Customer-Side Distributed Resources

Value:Varies

Connecticut's public utility regulator, in partnership with Bank of America's leasing division, offers specialized financing to utilities installing distributed energy equipment. Any photovoltaic, wind, or fuel cell generation system with a capacity ranging from 50 kW to 65 MW qualifies for financing, as do peak reduction and demand response devices. Customers must be located within either the Eversource or United Illuminating grids to qualify, and financing will subsidize only the portion of project costs not already funded by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. Additional information is available through the State of Connecticut website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Both Eversource and United Illuminating compensate renewable energy customers through net metering arrangements. Excess energy generated by a customer's interconnected solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, hydroelectric, or other renewable energy system is "sold back" to the utility at a fixed rate per kilowatt hour. The total amount will be paid as a credit on the customer's energy bill. At the end of the year, should excess generation exceed consumption, the utility will make a cash payment for the remaining energy. Information on specialized net metering programs, including virtual net metering for microgrids and agricultural/commercial facilities, are available from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Local Option - Commercial PACE Financing

Value:Varies

Beginning in 2012, the C-PACE program has served as an "open marketplace" for commercial property owners to acquire offers and financing on energy efficiency improvement projects. Under the program, owners may utilize the marketplace to communicate directly with the lenders and contractors of their choice and arrange a specialized energy efficiency loan. Effectively, PACE loans come from the local government. Payments are not collected by conventional means; rather, local property tax assessors will service the loan by placing a non-accelerated lien (senior to mortgages) on the property. This means that should the owner sell or transfer their property, payments will become the responsibility of the new owner. Certain safeguards are in place per FHFA directives, including loss reserve funds and disclosures. Additional information is available through the C-PACE website.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

Value:Varies

Connecticut's Clean Energy Fund was established in 1998 to support state investment and research in renewable energy. The Fund is administered by the Connecticut Green Bank and supported through a $0.001 cent/kWh surcharge on most customer electric bills. State legislators have granted the Green Bank a significant degree of autonomy in determining areas of investment; as such, it has participated in public/private partnerships to build renewable capital and established a PACE program as some of its more notable initiatives.

Sales and Use Taxes for Items Used in Renewable Energy Industries

Value:Varies

Beginning in 2010 with the passage of H.B. 5435, Connecticut offers sales/use tax exemptions on equipment used to manufacture solar PV/thermal, wind, and geothermal energy systems. Additional information on the exemptions can be found on the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website.

Building Energy Code

Value:Varies

State code compliance for renewable energy systems is managed by Connecticut's Office of the State Building Inspector. Localities will forward construction plans to the OSBI as a part of the compliance process, with the Department of Public Safety approving variances as needed. State building codes include the 2012 version of the International Energy Conservation Code along with establishing other energy efficiency requirements for new construction. Any residence up to four units in size is subject to the new codes. Any new building above a projected cost of $5 million or renovation above a projected cost of $2 million must meet LEED Silver certification or its equivalent. The builders need not seek formal certification, but should nonetheless follow the respective standards. Connecticut localities must include permit processes for rooftop solar panels and other PV systems. Applications should be accessible online and have a maximum review period of 30 days, taking into account state building codes in addition to local ordinances.

Solar and Wind Contractor Licensing

Value:Varies

Solar and wind power contractors in Connecticut must obtain specialized licenses through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. PV-1 is a limited license allowing contractors to work with solar and wind systems exclusively. Qualified contractors should have two years (4,000 hours) of apprentice/journeyman experience and 144 hours of vocational education. PV-2 is a limited license allowing journeymen to work with solar and wind systems under the supervision of an electrical contractor. Qualified journeymen should have completed an apprenticeship or have one year of vocational education. ST-1 is a full contractor's license allowing work on solar systems exclusively. Qualified contractors should have two years of journeyman experience or equivalent vocational education. ST-2 is a limited journeyman's license allowing work on solar systems exclusively. Qualifying journeymen should have completed their apprenticeship in solar work. The DCP also issues apprentice permits for solar system work under the supervision of a contractor or journeyman. Electrical contractors with E-1 or E-2 licenses, plumbers with P-1 through P-4 licenses, and HVAC contractors with S-1 through S-4 licenses do not need an additional solar license so long as they take the proper educational courses and pass an assessment.

Low-Income Multifamily Energy Loan Program

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Smart-E loans

Value:Varies

"Smart-E" loans are specialized financial products offered through the Connecticut Green Bank and state Clean Energy Fund for residential renewable energy investments and energy efficiency improvement projects. Special loan terms include no down payment and below-market interest. Qualifying projects for Smart-E financing are broad and may include any project or device that quantitatively improves the energy efficiency of a home. Standard credit checks, administrative fees, and conditions may apply. Additional information is available directly from the CGB website.

Energy Conservation Loan

Value:Varies

Capital for Change is a Connecticut-based organization offering specialized loans for homeowners making energy efficiency improvements. The loan's payoff period can last for up to twelve years, with interests rates depending on the homeowner's income. No-interest loans are available for households below 50% of the median income line. Applicants should submit copies of mortgage statements and past tax returns. Additional information is available from the Capital for Change website.

The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Multifamily Sherpa Pre-Development Energy Loan Program

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Renewables Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Connecticut first established a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 1998, requiring all electric utilities in the state to source 24% of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. Various amendments have been passed since then raising the standard. Compliance with the standard is measured using two types of Renewable Energy Credits pegged to a fluctuating dollar value: one representing zero-emission renewables and another representing low-emission renewables. Each possible energy source is grouped into classes that may yield different amounts of RECs. The state has set a generation target for each class. Additional information is available from the Connecticut state website.

Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Eversource - ZREC and LREC Long Term Contracts

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Multifamily Navigator Pre-Development Energy Loan Program

Value:Varies

With the Sherpa Predevelopment program at the Connecticut Green Bank, owners of multifamily residential property over five units may be eligible for specialized loans to fund energy efficiency predevelopment procedures. The Sherpa loan differs from the Navigator loan in its clear-cut staged approach, much of which is overseen by partner company New Ecology. In each of the three phases, New Ecology contractors will conduct energy baselining and auditing and draft designs for proposed projects. Loans can cover up to 75% of predevelopment expenditures, with the owner covering fixed copay amounts upfront. Additional information is available from the CGB website.

Residential Solar Investment Program

Value:Varies

The Connecticut Green Bank has overseen a Residential Solar Investment Program since 2012. The program's objective is to add 300 MW of residential solar PV to the state's grid by 2022 through incentivizing new installations. "Investment" incentives are available to residential properties of four families maximum linked to the Eversource or United Illuminating grids. Installation contractors may apply a "buydown" performance-based incentive at the time of purchase. Some customers may instead receive performance-based incentives at a kilowatt hour rate for the first six years of use. To receive the incentive, customers must undergo energy efficiency audits and select a qualifying contractor determined by CGB.

Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program

Value:Varies

Beginning in 2011, the Connecticut legislature authorized local governments to establish their own PACE programs for homeowners to acquire offers and financing on energy efficiency improvement projects. Under a typical program, homeowners may utilize the marketplace to communicate directly with the lenders and contractors of their choice and arrange a specialized energy efficiency loan. Effectively, PACE loans come from the owner's local government. Payments are not collected by conventional means; rather, local property tax assessors will service the loan by placing a non-accelerated lien (senior to mortgages) on the property. This means that should the owner sell or transfer their property, payments will become the responsibility of the new owner. Certain safeguards are in place per FHFA directives, including loss reserve funds and disclosures. The directives also barred Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from acquiring mortgages on property with standing PACE liens. Additional information is available through the C-PACE website.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
  • Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.75 in Connecticut. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $37,463 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
  • Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
  • To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
  • Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 24 verified solar install companies in Connecticut

Solar installers in Connecticut (24)

Croton Energy Group

Croton-on-Hudson, NY(914) 862-4177

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Green Power Energy

Annandale CDP, NJ(844) 584-0008

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Plug PV

Albany, NY(518) 948-5316

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Earthlight Technologies

(860) 871-9700

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunlight Solar Energy

Bend, OR(541) 322-1910

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

CES

Middletown, CT(860) 632-1682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Venture Home Solar

New York, NY(888) 417-2086

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunnyside Solar

(802) 280-7319

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Venture Solar

(888) 417-2086

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PurePoint Energy

Norwalk, CT(203) 989-2905

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-03-01