Solar Panels in Connecticut
High Rates Drive Strong Solar ROI in Connecticut
$1,680/yr
Avg. Annual Savings
4.2 peak hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours
9–13 years
Payback Period
$15,800–$23,200
Avg. System Cost
Overview
Is Solar Worth It in Connecticut?
Connecticut homeowners pay some of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States — Eversource customers average $0.241/kWh, nearly double the national average. That makes every kilowatt-hour your solar system produces worth significantly more than in lower-rate states.
The Connecticut Green Bank's Smart-E Loan, full sales and property tax exemptions, and retail-rate net metering combine to make Connecticut one of the strongest solar markets in New England — even without the federal tax credit.
Benefits
Why Go Solar in Connecticut
Reduce Your Electric Bill
Connecticut homeowners save an average of $1,680/yr after going solar.
State & Local Incentives
Connecticut offers property tax exemptions, net metering credits, and other state-level incentives that reduce your net cost. The federal 30% ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
Increase Home Value
Solar panels increase your home's resale value — and are excluded from property tax in most states.
Energy Independence
Lock in your electricity rate and protect against rising utility costs for 25+ years.
Available Incentives
Connecticut Solar Incentives & Tax Credits
Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loan
State ProgramBelow-market financing up to $40,000 for residential solar installations, with terms up to 12 years through participating lenders. This is Connecticut's primary solar incentive in 2026.
Connecticut Net Metering
Net MeteringEversource Energy credits excess solar generation at the retail rate under Connecticut's net metering law. Annual true-up: unused credits roll forward but do not pay out as cash.
Connecticut Sales Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionResidential solar equipment is fully exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax, saving $1,000–$1,470 on a typical installation.
Connecticut Property Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionSolar installations are exempt from Connecticut property tax assessments for the life of the system.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (Expired)
Tax CreditThe federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for residential solar expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for new installations.
What Changed in 2026 for Connecticut Solar
The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025 — here's what that means for Connecticut homeowners and what options remain.
The 30% Federal Tax Credit Has Expired
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Connecticut homeowners purchasing solar in 2026 no longer qualify for the 30% credit. A typical 8kW system that previously cost ~$11,200 after the ITC now costs $15,800–$23,200 before state incentives. Connecticut's primary incentive in 2026 is the Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loan — below-market financing up to $40,000 through participating lenders.
Eversource Rates Make Solar Compelling
Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the continental US — Eversource customers pay $0.241/kWh on average. That means every kWh your solar system produces is worth significantly more than in lower-rate states. Even without the federal ITC, the combination of high rates, retail net metering, and the Smart-E Loan makes solar a strong financial decision for most Connecticut homeowners.
What Still Drives the Math in Connecticut
Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax exemption (saving $1,000–$1,470 on a typical system), full property tax exemption, and retail-rate net metering remain fully intact. The Smart-E Loan program provides below-market financing for homeowners who don't want to pay cash. Expect payback periods of 9–13 years for 2026 purchases.
Utility Programs
Solar Incentives by Utility in Connecticut
Your utility determines which programs you qualify for. Find your provider below to see net metering rates, rebates, and production incentives available in your area.
Eversource Energy
Service territory: Most of Connecticut including Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury
Net Metering
Retail rate (~$0.241/kWh)
Avg Bill Offset
85–100%
Eversource is the dominant utility in Connecticut, serving approximately 1.2 million customers. Net metering credits excess generation at the full retail rate ($0.241/kWh) — one of the highest net metering rates in the country. Annual true-up: unused credits roll forward but are not paid out as cash. Eversource's high rates are the primary economic driver for solar in Connecticut. The interconnection process typically takes 30–60 days.
United Illuminating (Avangrid)
Service territory: New Haven and Bridgeport area (southern Connecticut)
Net Metering
Retail rate (~$0.230/kWh)
Avg Bill Offset
85–100%
United Illuminating serves approximately 340,000 customers in the New Haven and Bridgeport area. Net metering credits excess generation at the retail rate. UI customers are eligible for the Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loan. UI's rates are slightly lower than Eversource's but still among the highest in the continental US, making solar a strong investment in this territory.
Cost by City
Solar Panel Cost in Connecticut Cities (2026)
Costs reflect typical 8–9kW residential systems after Connecticut state incentives (no federal ITC — expired Dec 31, 2025). Click any city for a full cost breakdown.
| City | System Size | Gross Cost | After Incentives | Payback | Utility | Avg Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 8kW | $16,000–$22,400 | $15,000–$21,000 | 9–12 yrs | Eversource | $180–$230 |
| New Haven | 8kW | $15,800–$22,000 | $14,800–$20,600 | 9–12 yrs | United Illuminating | $170–$215 |
| Bridgeport | 8kW | $15,800–$22,000 | $14,800–$20,600 | 9–12 yrs | United Illuminating | $165–$210 |
| Stamford | 9kW | $17,500–$24,500 | $16,400–$23,000 | 9–12 yrs | Eversource | $190–$250 |
| Waterbury | 8kW | $15,800–$22,000 | $14,800–$20,600 | 9–12 yrs | Eversource | $175–$220 |
* Costs are estimates based on local installer data and may vary. Federal ITC (30%) expired December 31, 2025.
Common Questions
Connecticut Solar FAQ
Local Solar Companies
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