Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the US — making solar one of the smartest investments a CT homeowner can make. Here's every incentive available in 2026, including the Residential Solar Investment Program and net metering. Note: the federal 30% ITC expired December 31, 2025.
Connecticut homeowners pay some of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States, averaging $0.21/kWh compared to the national average of $0.13/kWh. That painful utility bill is actually your biggest argument for going solar: every kilowatt-hour your panels produce is worth more in Connecticut than almost anywhere else in the country.
Connecticut's Solar Incentive Landscape
Connecticut has built one of the most comprehensive state-level solar incentive programs in the Northeast, including the Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP) rebate, net metering, a property tax exemption, and a sales tax exemption. Note: the 30% federal ITC expired December 31, 2025. These incentives are available to homeowners across the state, from Hartford and Stamford to New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Norwalk.
Federal Solar Tax Credit — 2026 Update
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners purchasing systems in 2026 no longer qualify. Solar leases and PPAs are the exception — the installer can claim commercial credits and pass savings through in the monthly rate.
Connecticut Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP)
The RSIP is Connecticut's primary state solar rebate, administered by the Connecticut Green Bank. It provides a direct cash rebate based on your system's expected production. Connecticut also offers the newer Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program for ongoing tariff-based compensation.
2026 RSIP rates:
| System Type | Rebate Rate |
|---|---|
| Residential (10 kW or less) | $0.463/Watt (AC) |
| Residential (10 to 20 kW) | $0.413/Watt (AC) |
For a typical 8 kW AC system, the RSIP rebate would be approximately $3,704, paid as a direct check after installation. RSIP capacity is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so reservations must be made before installation begins.
Net Metering and Tax Exemptions
Connecticut requires Eversource and United Illuminating to offer net metering at the full retail rate. With CT electricity at $0.21/kWh, every kWh you export is worth more than twice the national average.
Solar installations are also exempt from local property tax assessments for 15 years after installation, and solar equipment is exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
The Full CT Incentive Stack (2026)
| Incentive | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal ITC (30%) | Expired Dec 31, 2025 — no longer available for 2026 purchases |
| CT RSIP Rebate | ~$3,704 (8 kW system) |
| Property Tax Exemption | 15-year exemption on added value |
| Sales Tax Exemption | 6.35% savings on equipment |
| Net Metering | $0.21/kWh retail-rate credits |
With the RSIP rebate alone, a Connecticut homeowner could recover $3,704 in upfront incentives on a $25,000 system, before counting a single dollar in electricity bill savings. Note: the 30% federal ITC expired December 31, 2025.
How Much Can CT Homeowners Save?
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Average system cost | $22,000 to $28,000 |
| After RSIP rebate | $18,296 to $24,296 |
| Monthly electricity savings | $150 to $250 |
| Payback period | 5 to 7 years |
| 25-year net savings | $40,000 to $65,000 |
The RSIP requires a reservation before installation, so the first step is getting quotes from RSIP-approved installers. SunLynk connects Connecticut homeowners with pre-vetted local solar companies who handle the RSIP reservation process as part of their standard installation workflow. Get your free CT solar quotes today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Solar Incentives
What solar incentives are available for Connecticut homeowners in 2026?
Connecticut homeowners have access to the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program which pays a fixed rate per kWh for electricity produced, a 100% property tax exemption on the added home value from solar, and a full sales tax exemption on solar equipment. The 2025 Buy-All rate for new RRES applications is $0.3195 per kWh, paid by your utility for 20 years. Note: the 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
How does the Connecticut RRES program work?
The Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program, administered by PURA, pays solar homeowners a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour for electricity their system produces for 20 years. For a typical 8 kW system producing 8,500 kWh/year, RRES payments at $0.3195/kWh generate approximately $2,716/year — or $54,320 over the full 20-year term. This is in addition to electricity bill savings.
Is solar worth it in Connecticut?
Yes — Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the country ($0.24–$0.27/kWh), making solar savings exceptionally high. Combined with 20 years of RRES program payments and property/sales tax exemptions, most Connecticut homeowners see payback periods of 10–14 years and lifetime savings of $35,000–$60,000 on a typical system. Note: the 30% federal tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
Is there still a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
No. The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners who purchase and install a solar system in 2026 no longer qualify. The one exception is solar leases and PPAs — the installer can still claim commercial credits and pass savings through in the monthly rate. See the IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit page for the official guidance.
Which Connecticut cities have the best solar potential?
All of Connecticut's major cities have strong solar economics due to the state's high electricity rates. Hartford, Stamford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Norwalk all have competitive installer markets and full access to the RRES program.
Use our free solar savings calculator to see what Connecticut's RRES program and high electricity rates mean for your 25-year savings estimate.
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