The Nutmeg State is no longer known just for its huge hedge funds and cute coastal towns, but also as one of the fastest-growing small states for solar. In fact, some of Connecticut’s great solar programs and solar energy incentives could even serve as models for other states that are trying to help their residents make the transition.
The best way to compare your solar options and save money at the same time is by registering on the EnergySage Marketplace. When you compare quotes for solar panels on EnergySage's competitive solar marketplace, you can expect to see prices up to 20% lower than working with a single solar company. Read our updated article on the cost of solar panels to compare solar costs across states and by panel brand.
What are CT’s top solar tax credits and rebates?
Connecticut has a plethora of solar programs, including:
Energy Efficiency Loan Program
On top of their solar rebate, the government of Connecticut may also provide you with a loan for your system. Thanks to the Smart-E Loan, eligible families can borrow up to $40,000 for 5-12 years at interest rates between 4 percent and 7 percent.
Tax exemptions for renewable energy equipment
Thanks to some helpful CT tax breaks for solar, you won’t even have to pay any taxes on your new solar panels. The Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems, for example, means that you won’t have to pay any taxes on the purchase of your system. Additionally, the Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems keeps you from having to pay any additional taxes on the increased value of your home.
Other CT savings opportunities
The federal solar tax credit
Don’t forget about federal solar incentives! With the investment tax credit (ITC), now referred to as the Residential Clean Energy Credit for residential systems, you can reduce the cost of your PV solar energy system by 30 percent. Keep in mind that the ITC applies only to those who buy their PV system outright (either with a cash purchase or a solar loan), and that you must have enough income for the tax credit to be meaningful (unless you’re a tax-exempt entity, in which case you might be eligible for a direct payment).
Net metering in Connecticut
When you put solar panels on your roof, you want to make sure you get credit for all of the power your system generates. Luckily, Connecticut has a net metering policy that credits you for the extra electricity your system produces, and allows you to use those credits when your system doesn’t generate enough power. Eversource offers one of the top net metering programs in Connecticut.
