Best Solar Companies In Connecticut Of 2024

Connecticut has a fast-growing solar energy market, in part due to falling costs and high energy bills. The state has also introduced a variety of incentives to encourage homeowners to adopt solar energy. These make it easier for Connecticut residents to afford the high upfront costs and maximize their savings after installation. We’ve reviewed solar providers across the state to determine the best options for Connecticut homeowners who want to make the jump to solar.

• Tesla: Best Overall
• Sunrun: Best for Financing
• Green Power Energy: Best for Customer Service

The solar installers Tesla and Sunrun top our best solar companies in Connecticut list. Tesla scored 4.6 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology. The company is highly reviewed, with efficient solar panels and batteries and covers its systems and workmanship with 25-year warranties.

After completing our research and analysis, we compared the ratings and costs of Connecticut solar panel companies, evaluating criteria such as financing options, customer reviews, service, products and features.

Company	Company - Logo	Forbes Home Rating	Forbes Home Rating	Best For	BBB Rating Consultation	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text	Learn More
Tesla		4.6		Availability	A+	Get Free Estimates	From Participating Partners
Sunrun		3.8		Financing	A+	Get Free Estimates	From Participating Partners
Green Power Energy		3.7		Customer Service	A+	Get Free Estimates	From Participating Partners

Connecticut’s position in the northeast means that it’s subject to storms and overcast weather, particularly throughout the fall and winter. This climate poses a risk to rooftop solar installations and reduces the number of sunny days that panels are exposed to. For these reasons, Connecticut homeowners should consider high-efficiency solar panels with long workmanship warranties.

Additionally, the average cost of a solar system in Connecticut is $15,540 without applying the federal tax incentive. When gathering quotes from solar installers in your area, compare their estimates to the statewide average to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Other important qualities to look for include:

• Lots of recent positive customer ratings and reviews online
• The ability to answer questions about available state incentives and rebates
• Expert knowledge of home energy consumption and how much solar can save you
• Experience with local building costs in your state and municipality

As you compare solar installers in Connecticut, consider the following factors to help you find the best fit for your needs:

• Local reputation: Read reviews for each company and ask others in your network about their experiences. This is especially important with national installers, whose service may vary from state to state.
• Your goals: Do you want to maximize savings? Gain energy independence? Reduce your environmental impact? Knowing your goals will help you find providers with the right services for you.
• Storage: Connecticut is known for its long winters, so consider companies that install solar batteries to store excess energy for later use.
• Financing: If you want solar but can’t afford the upfront cost, look for a company with financing options such as loans, leases or PPAs.
• Local expertise: The company you choose should be knowledgeable about the unique solar regulations and incentives in Connecticut.
• Warranties: Look for a company that offers extended warranty coverage for both equipment and installation labor.

The best solar company for your needs will depend on factors like your budget, your roof and your goals. Take time to research and consider quotes from multiple companies before signing a contract.

The average cost of a 6-kilowatt solar system in Connecticut is $16,325, which is roughly equal to the national average cost of solar panels. The cost for the same system after applying the 30% federal tax credit is $12,588. Your individual cost will vary based on many different factors including system size and the model you choose.

SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE	AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (kWh)	AVERAGE COST BEFORE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT	AVERAGE COST AFFTER FEDERAL TAX CREDIT (30%)
6kW	8,000 – 10,000	$16,325	$12,588
8kW	10,500 – 13,300	$21,760	$15,232
10kW	13,300 – 16,700	$27,200	$19,040
12kW	16,000 – 20,000	$32,640	$22,848

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There are a variety of solar incentives in Connecticut. Residents can take advantage of these incentives, tax credits and rebates to help reduce the cost of solar panel installation and maximize their savings when generating solar power over time.

INCENTIVE	DESCRIPTION	TYPE	OCCURRENCE
Connecticut Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Netting Incentive	Allows homeowners to export some or all energy they produce to the electric grid for a credit on their energy bill.	Net metering	Ongoing
Connecticut Solar Property Tax Exemption	Prevents property tax increases from increased home value due to solar panels.	Tax exemption	Ongoing
Connecticut Green Bank Residential Solar Investment Program	Provides cash rebates to solar owners and lessees.	Rebate	Ongoing

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Federal Solar Tax Credit

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), otherwise known as the federal solar tax credit, allows any Connecticut citizen who purchases a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to claim the ITC in the same tax year during which they install that system and it begins generating power.

Beginning in 2022, the ITC provides a credit on income taxes that is equal to 30% of your total system system cost. Those who own their solar systems can access this credit through 2032. This means that applying the ITC to your solar system purchase will lower your tax bill for the year.

Net Metering

Connecticut recently revamped its approach to net metering. The Connecticut Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program is a relatively new state-sponsored initiative that allows solar owners in the state to sell the power they generate with their solar installations.

One way to do so is with the program’s Netting Incentive. By choosing this option, homeowners first supply their homes with power from their solar system, then export any excess power not stored in batteries to the electric grid. Homeowners can also opt for the Buy-All Incentive, in which they export all power they generate to the grid, and then receive a credit to offset their monthly power bills.

Other State-Specific Incentives

Several other state incentives in Connecticut can help make solar power more affordable for residents.

• Connecticut Green Bank Solar for All Program: Offers PPAs to eligible low-income households to allow them to access solar energy at a lower rate.
• Connecticut Green Bank Residential Solar Investment Program: Offers cash rebates and compensation for both solar owners and lessees.
• Connecticut Solar Property Tax Exemption: Prevents solar owners from paying sales tax on the cost of their systems and prevents property taxes from increasing after installation.
• Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): Offers municipality-specific financing services across the state.

Connecticut doesn’t get as much sunshine as many other parts of the U.S. Despite that, the state’s solar energy industry is growing rapidly as many residents see the benefits of solar panels as worthwhile.

This is in part due to falling costs and a greater interest in environmental conservation. The SEIA reports that the cost of solar panel installation in Connecticut has fallen by 42% in the past decade alone. According to our Forbes solar survey, 64% of Northeast U.S. residents are somewhat concerned or very concerned regarding their home’s impact on the environment.

Connecticut Solar Savings: Calculating the Break-Even Point

If you’re wondering whether solar panels are worth it in Connecticut, you can do a bit of math to calculate your potential return on investment. For example, the amount of time it takes to break even on the cost of solar panel installation in Connecticut is about 6.55 years on average. Additionally, the average Connecticut home uses about 702.76 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per month at a rate of 23.37 ¢/kWh.

Assuming that all of a home’s electricity usage is covered by solar energy, this means that after less than six years, the average solar owner in Connecticut saves about $1,920 per year on their electricity bills.

CONNECTICUT SOLAR SAVINGS: CALCULATING THE BREAK-EVEN POINT
Average Cost of 6kW Solar System w/Installation	$16,325
Connecticut Incentives (30%)	$4,898.50
Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives)	$12,588
Break Even Period	6.55 years
20-Year Savings	$2,5812
25-Year Savings	$35,412

*Based on energy costs within the location/state all data is estimated, calculations assume all electricity usage is covered by solar energy and the cost of 23.37 ¢/kWh within Connecticut

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Forbes Home has done thorough research into the solar industry around the United States, conducting surveys to collect and report on the most up-to-date data. We conducted a solar survey of 1,000 people in 2023 and looked at consumer trends and customer satisfaction with their home solar panels.

According to our survey, nearly 60% of solar owners in the Northeast U.S. installed their panels within the last one to three years. Roughly 90% of that group are considering expanding and upgrading their solar panel systems in the future.

The SEIA describes Connecticut as one of the fastest-growing small states in the solar industry. It’s currently ranked 23rd in the country in total solar installations, up from 28th in 2022. There are now 165 Connecticut solar companies manufacturing and installing panels or otherwise supporting the industry, and 3.78% of the state’s electricity is generated from solar power.

To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features.

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.

All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.