The 4 Best Solar Companies in Connecticut
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You may not think of Connecticut as a big state for solar energy, but the Constitution State has 165 solar companies, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. With that many options, we researched which solar providers have the most to offer Connecticut homeowners.
See which other companies made our list of the most recommended solar companies in Connecticut, plus which solar incentives the state offers to help you save money when switching to solar.
Key Takeaways
- The best solar company in Connecticut is Sunrun. Our findings are based on a synthesis of user reviews, expert interviews, and a survey of over 1,000 homeowners.
- The Connecticut Green Bank Solar for All Program helps homeowners access solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) at a reduced rate.
- Connecticut offers net metering, allowing homeowners to sell back excess energy produced by their solar systems. The exact terms and rates of this program vary depending on the utility.
Compare Solar Companies Across Connecticut
Connecticut’s Top Solar Energy Companies
We put 68 solar companies to the test against our methodology, comparing them in categories such as product selection, panel performance, warranty coverage, customer reviews, services, certifications, Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and more. The following companies scored highest.
Our Top Solar Company Picks for CT
The following solar brands earned four or more stars when tested against our methodology:
Sunrun
Best Solar Panel Leasing
Momentum
Best Installation Process
Venture Solar
Best Northeast Regional Installer
BBB and other ratings are accurate as of March 2024.
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in Connecticut?
Connecticut property owners who invest in a home solar project may be eligible for various solar incentives, rebates, and tax credits. Nationwide, those purchasing their solar system outright or taking out a solar loan are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. This tax credit, equal to 30% of your system’s total cost, is applied to your federal tax liability to reduce or eliminate your owed balance.
Here are some additional solar incentives available to residents in Connecticut:
- Energy Efficiency Loan Program: Connecticut residents may be eligible for a low-interest loan of up to $40,000 to invest in a renewable energy system. Loan payments can be added to your monthly electric bill to keep things in one place.
- Net metering: The state of Connecticut offers a net metering program. These programs allow homeowners with a residential solar system to exchange generated excess energy for credits through their utility company. This is usually at the retail electric rate. If credit remains at the end of the year, the system’s owner gets paid out at the wholesale rate.
- Property Tax Exemption: Connecticut offers a statewide property tax exemption on residential solar installations. Even though your property’s value may increase from a solar installation, your annual property tax won’t. Connecticut also allows municipalities to offer additional property tax exemptions at their discretion.
According to a 2024 survey we did of 1,000 solar users, 75% used solar incentives to help get money back. Roughly 64% applied for the federal solar tax credit, 32% enrolled in a net metering program, and 30% got a local rebate.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Not all solar panel companies are the same. Before making such a big investment, carefully review and compare your options to get the best return on your solar panel installation. We’ve listed a few things to look for below.
Solar Services
Look for solar companies that offer other services besides solar panel installation. For example, many companies also offer solar battery installation or provide active system monitoring for ongoing support. A company that offers these additional services is committed to ensuring you get the most from your solar power system. Also, look at the company’s years of experience for each service.
Warranties
We recommend looking for companies that offer a 25-year equipment/manufacturer warranty. Solar panels last an average of 25 years, so this warranty ensures they’re protected throughout their lifetime.
We also suggest companies with power performance guarantees that promise a certain power output level for a particular time. A power performance warranty is a marker of a high-quality solar company. A 10-year workmanship or labor warranty is fairly standard, so any company that offers converge beyond that is a reliable choice.
Payment Options
We recommend purchasing solar panels in cash or taking out a solar loan. These are the most cost-effective options for financing solar and provide the best return on investment. These payment methods make you the system owner and qualify you for federal and state solar incentives.
Solar leases and power purchase agreements offer fewer financial advantages because the solar company remains the system owner, so you can’t use any solar incentives. We only recommend these payment options if you simply want to generate clean energy and aren’t focused on the long-term financial benefits of ownership.
Of our 1,000 survey takers, 49% paid in full upfront, 23% financed using a solar loan, 11% leased their system, and 17% chose a power purchase agreement.
Customer Support
We recommend you look for companies with multiple forms of customer support, such as phone, email, and online chat, or service forms. If you notice the company offers educational materials online, such as an online blog or videos, this is a sign that it likely cares about keeping you knowledgeable and informed.
What Is the Best Way To Get a Solar Quote in Connecticut?
Below are the common steps for getting a solar quote in Connecticut.
- Contact the solar company: Contact the company online or by phone. You’ll need to provide your address for confirmation. Then, you’ll set up a time for a consultation either in-person or virtually, and the company can begin the design process.
- Assess your energy needs: During the virtual or in-person consultation, you’ll provide your monthly energy bills to help determine your needed system size and power. We recommend having at least three months of statements handy to account for seasonal fluctuations.
- Review your home design and roof space: A company representative will assess your roof space and condition and recommend any required repairs or updates. A virtual consultation may use satellite imaging to assess your home design, but the results can be less accurate.
- Build your project: The company will provide a final, itemized quote with a detailed inventory of all required equipment. Add solar batteries or electric vehicle chargers to your system. Review your quote for pricing and warranty information, and discuss available financing options and local solar incentives.
Our Conclusion
Connecticut is a worthwhile state for solar power thanks to its government’s push to increase renewable energy. In 2022, the state committed to zero-carbon emissions from its electricity production by 2040. Connecticut also offers favorable solar incentives to make the transition more affordable.
We recommend Palmetto as the top solar contractor in Connecticut. Palmetto has overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and sells high-performance panels.
We recommend comparing at least three solar installation companies and getting a free quote to find the best company and deal for your home.
Other Connecticut Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in CT
Is it worth going solar in CT?
It’s likely worth going solar in CT if your home receives abundant sun exposure and your energy usage causes you to have high energy bills. EnergySage calculates Connecticut’s solar payback period as 7.4–10 years and its electricity bill offset as 79%–107%. These numbers are average to above average, meaning Connecticut residents have the potential for high savings when switching to solar.
How many solar companies are in Connecticut?
The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that Connecticut has 165 solar-related companies—31 are manufacturers, and 65 are installers or developers.
What is the average cost of solar panels in CT?
The average cost of solar panels in CT for a 10-kilowatt system size is $31,761 before applying any solar incentives. The federal solar tax credit reduces this figure to $$22,233.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
