Updated January 2023
Connecticut has been making significant efforts to increase the use of solar power. The state has over 515MW of solar power installed and it is expected to continue to grow as the state has set ambitious clean energy goals.
The goals include a target to produce 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. You can also play a part by picking an installer and going solar today.
Based on our research, we found the top 6 installers in Connecticut state to be:
- PurePoint Energy
- Aegis Solar Energy
- Waldon Renewable Electric, LLC
- Trinity Solar
- Sunrun
There are many solar providers operating in Connecticut that can help you make the move to solar power. However, the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget, among other factors.
We have made finding the right installer easy by doing a ton of research to come up with this review of the best solar companies in Connecticut.
Read on to see our picks for the top solar companies in Connecticut so you get the right solar system for your home at the right cost.
Why Trust Us
We conducted deep research on over 200 solar installers in Connecticut. We spent over 60 hours analyzing and comparing solar quotes, accreditations, warranties, financing options, and product options. Furthermore, we talked to customers about their solar systems and evaluated their feedback about the solar providers.
Review of the 5 Best Solar Companies in Connecticut
1. PurePoint Energy
Service Area: Connecticut. Located in Norwalk, CT
Year Started: 2007
Why we are recommending:
PurePoint Energy is a well-established solar energy firm in Connecticut that has been in operation since 2007. They have a proven track record of providing top-notch solar energy solutions to residential, agricultural, and commercial clients across the state.
The company’s goal is to enhance the lives of its clients, the community, and the environment. That is why they are dedicated to providing customized solar systems that will last for decades, and providing an exceptional experience to clients throughout the process.
PurePoint Energy is a SunPower Elite dealer and a certified Tesla Powerwall installer, which guarantees you the best solar installation and energy storage system.
Customer feedback:
Customers note the staff is very professional and responsive, which results in the best possible services by the company. They also claim that the technical team does their best to ensure a clean and neat installation that meets 100% of the client’s energy use.
2. Aegis Solar Energy
Service area: Connecticut. Located in Branford, CT
Year Started: 1989
Why we are recommending:
Aegis Solar Energy is a Connecticut-based company that provides a wide range of solar energy solutions that include solar power, solar hot water, pool heating, and commercial installations.
Having been in the industry for over 30 years, they are one of the oldest and most experienced solar providers in the state.
Their team of experts works closely with contractors, architects, homeowners, and businesses to provide high-quality and efficient solar solutions for residential, institutional, and commercial projects.
The company is committed to educating and training its team of electricians and solar installers to ensure that they adhere to the latest industry standards and building codes.
Aegis Solar Energy is dedicated to providing the best customer service and ensuring that all their projects are completed to the highest level of workmanship.
Customer feedback:
Customers note they received professional, high-quality service from the day they engaged the company and enjoyed their services post-installation. Clients point out that Aegis Solar Energy Quotes are some of the best in the market, making it easy to migrate to solar power.
3. Waldo Renewable Electric, LLC
Service area: Connecticut. Located in Old Lyme, CT.
Year started: 2006
Why we are recommending:
Waldo Renewable has been in operation for more than 15 years, during which it has installed hundreds of projects across Connecticut. The company is led by a NABCEP-certified master electrician with over 20 years of experience.
Waldo Renewable is dedicated to helping the state and the country achieve the 100% renewable energy goal. That is why the company’s solar solutions include residential, commercial, battery storage, and operations and maintenance services.
The installer offers solar system monitoring options that provide homeowners with 24-hour access, demand usage, and weather monitoring.
Customer feedback: Customers show a great appreciation for the speed of installation, with many noting they were surprised that their orders were fulfilled faster than they had anticipated. Many clients also point out that Waldo Renewable helped them get the necessary approvals, making the migration to solar effortless.
4. Trinity Solar
Service area: Include Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Year started: 1994
Why we are recommending:
Trinity Solar is among the leading solar energy companies in the U.S. with over 77,000 installations across the nation.
Trinity Solar offers a range of financing options. You can go for no-cost installation, purchase panels outright, finance through leasing, or enter into a power purchase agreement.
The company rewards customers who refer their friends and family to the company.
They offer a variety of equipment options, such as highly efficient Q-Cell solar panels, SolarEdge, Generac, and Tesla inverters. Their inverter warranty can be extended up to 20 or 25 years and their workmanship warranty is five years, giving customers peace of mind.
Customer feedback:
Customers note that Trinity Solar has a quick turnaround time, where they can even complete the installation of a solar system within a day. Many clients cite the personal touch that the support and technical representatives gave them as one of the reasons why the installer is one of the best and why they are eager to continue using their service.
5. Sunrun Solar
Service area: Include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, Texas, and South Carolina.
Year: 2007
Sunrun Solar is a leading provider of residential solar, storage, and energy services in Connecticut and the United States.
Sunrun makes the process of going solar stress-free by providing customers with the support and resources they need at every step. The resources also include information on solar incentives available in your area.
All of Sunrun’s plans include a customized solar energy system and a team of solar experts to guide customers through the process. The only choice homeowners need to make is how they want to go solar, giving them control over rising energy costs.
Customer feedback:
Several customers claim that Sunrun does not have hidden costs, which ensured they got high-quality service at the promised rates. Several clients also expressed their satisfaction with their solar systems several years after installation by Sunrun.
Top National Solar Installers in Connecticut
Top Local Installers in Major Areas
Top Local Installers in the Hartford Region
Top Local Installers in Fairfield Region
Top Local Installers in the Litchfield Region
Top Local Installers in the New London Region
Solar Incentives and Rebates in Connecticut
In Connecticut, there are a variety of incentives and rebates available to encourage residents and businesses to switch to solar energy. One notable incentive is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) which can be claimed by homeowners.
The credit was scheduled to decrease from 26% to 22% by 2023 and then be phased out but was increased to 30% in August 2022 as per the Inflation Reduction Act. This credit will now be valid through 2032 and you can use it to claim 30% of the total cost of a solar system installation. This tax credit could save you thousands of dollars, on average between $6,000-$10,000 for an average solar system.
Connecticut has property tax exemption for any value added by installing solar. The state also has the Smart-E Loans program, which allows qualifying applicants to borrow up to $40,000 for a period of 5-12 years, with interest rates as low as 4.49-6.99%.
Furthermore, Connecticut has a Solar For All Program aimed at helping low-income households access solar energy to lower energy costs and increase home affordability. This program features a no-money-down, affordable 20-year lease and energy efficiency agreement with a savings guarantee for all homeowners, regardless of income or credit score.
Additionally, Connecticut also provides an exemption from its 6.35% sales tax for various solar energy systems including solar water heaters and solar photovoltaics.
How Much Does Solar Cost in Connecticut
The cost of installing a solar panel system in Connecticut typically averages $18,000 for an 8kW system. On average, it takes Connecticut residents around eight years to fully pay off their solar system investment.
Related article: Connecticut Solar Panel Costs
How big a solar system do I Need in Connecticut?
Several factors will affect how many solar panels you need for your home in Connecticut. They include the size and angle of your roof, the amount of shade, and your electricity usage. But on average, a home in Connecticut can expect to require 12-22 solar panels.
Is it Worth it to Go Solar in Connecticut?
Going solar in Connecticut is worth it because of the many benefits that include cost savings, resilience, and energy independence.
According to the SEIA, over 1,161 solar installations have already been completed in Connecticut, most of which are residential systems.
By joining the many homeowners who have already installed solar, we estimate that you can save up to $23,000 over 20 years.
Most of the installers on our list will give you a free solar estimate, which is the best way to determine the exact number of panels you will need to install.
Can I Install Solar at my Home in Connecticut
If your roof or yard can accommodate panels, then you can go solar. In Connecticut, most homes qualify for solar. This is according to Google Sunroof, which reveals that over 74% of roofs in Connecticut are viable for solar power production.
Many factors will influence your ability to go solar and how much you can save when installing panels in your home. They include the financing option you choose since it affects the incentives you can claim, the required power output, and the location.
How Does Net Metering Work in Connecticut
For many years, Connecticut operated a traditional net metering program like most states. However, all that changed in early 2022 when the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) replaced the program with the Residential Renewable Energy Sources Program.
PURA created the new program to promote the growth of the solar industry in the state, with a goal of installing 50-60 MW of solar annually. Similar to traditional net metering, the new program also allows homeowners to sell excess power to utilities.
The program offers two ways to sell solar energy back to the grid: A Netting Tariff and a Buy All Tariff.
The Netting Tariff is most suitable for homeowners, offering monetary credits for excess solar energy. The credits are offered at the retail rate per kilowatt-hour and the customer is enrolled in the program for 20 years.
The Buy All Tariff is intended for companies offering Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to homeowners. The tariff provides a set amount for all the energy generated by the system for 20 years.
Both tariffs have additional energy credits available for low to moderate-income households and those living in “distressed municipalities” identified by the state.
The Advantages of Solar in Connecticut
Here are some of the advantages of owning a solar system in Connecticut:
1. Electricity Bill saving
One of the main advantages of installing solar panels in Connecticut is the reduction in electricity bills. The typical CT resident pays an electricity bill of $161.55 per month, which can be reduced by going solar.
Many homeowners who install solar panels can eliminate their electricity bills, saving around $1,939 per year. The solar panels pay for themselves in 8 years and provide additional savings of $42,705 over their lifespan of 25+ years.
2. Lower Taxes and Incentives
The state of Connecticut and the federal government provide incentives to encourage homeowners to switch to solar energy.
One such incentive is the federal solar investment tax credit, also known as the ITC, which is a credit applied to the homeowner’s federal income tax liability for the year when they install and activate their solar panels.
The credit is worth 30% of the total cost of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which in Connecticut on average comes out to around $6,300.
3. Increase in Home Value
Having a solar system installed can increase the value of your home by 4%. This can potentially result in tens of thousands of dollars in added value, depending on the nature of the property.
Most Reputable Solar Panel Installers in Connecticut
Based on our research and customer feedback, the most reputable solar companies are:
- PurePoint Energy
- Aegis Solar Energy
- Waldon Renewable Electric, LLC
- Trinity Solar
- Sunrun
- SunPower
- Tesla
- Green Power Energy
- SAVKAT Solar
How to Choose a Solar Installer in Connecticut
There are more than 150 solar installers in Connecticut. So it can be confusing and time-consuming to narrow it down to the ones that work for you and are within your budget goals. Lucky for you, we’re here to help.
Here are the steps you should take.
- Identify the type of solar company you need such as a residential or commercial installer
- Decide whether you want to work with a national or Connecticut-based solar installation company.
- Check the level of expertise and experience of the company.
- Verify that the installer is certified by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection
- Confirm that the provider is insured
- Evaluate the quality of solar equipment used by the company.
- Research the solar installer’s reviews and client testimonials
- Determine the warranties offered by the company
- Inquire about the turnaround time for the installation process
- Check if the company provides customized solutions to fit your needs
- Get multiple quotes, at least 3 quotes, from different solar installers in Connecticut
How we Researched the Best Solar Installers in Connecticut
To ensure we came up with a reliable list of the best installers in Connecticut, we looked at the following factors:
- Accreditation and certification
- NABCEP accreditation
- Certification by the state of Connecticut
- Expertise and experience
- Number of years they have been in business
- Services offered
- Number of customers served
- Number of projects completed
- Process and quality of installations
- Free consultations
- No-obligation quotes
- Quality of solar products
- Nature of warranties
- Financing options offered
- Customer reviews
Going Solar with Electric Utility Companies in Connecticut
There are several electric utility companies in Connecticut that include investor-owned and municipal power distribution companies. Eversource Energy is the main utility company followed by United Illuminating Company.
The power distribution companies in Connecticut do not have an outright program to help homeowners go solar and reduce dependence on the grid in the process. The only way that utilities appear to encourage residents to adopt solar is by being part of the Residential Renewable Energy Sources Program.
Through the program, homeowners can sell excess power generated by their solar system to the utility company. However, it should be noted that residential projects under this program are limited to 25 kW in size.
Cost of Electricity in Connecticut
The average electricity rate for residential consumers in Connecticut is 25 ¢/kWh. The 25 ¢/kWh is a 9% increase from 2021 when the average rate was 22 ¢/kWh. The cost of electricity continues to rise.
Connecticut’s electricity rate is currently higher than the national average, which currently stands at 16 ¢/kWh. Going solar will ensure you never have to worry about the rates going up and over the national average.
Climate and Weather in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the coldest regions in the nation but it still receives more than 190 days of sunny days in a year. The longest length of the day occurs in June lasting for 15 hours while the shortest one is in December lasting for only 9 hours. From the information, it is clear that the state provides a favorable atmosphere for solar power generation.
Connecticut is susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Over the years, the state has suffered from heat and cold waves, winter storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The probability of these severe weather conditions often affects the grid leading to blackouts. You can avoid such issues by going solar but make sure you hire a company capable of installing a system that can withstand extreme weather.
Solar Irradiance in Connecticut
Connecticut generally has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The solar radiation level in Hartford, Connecticut, is on average 4.77-kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). This level is 21% higher compared to an area with traditionally low levels of radiation, which is 3.93 kWh/m2/day in an area (WA), and 28% less compared to an area with traditionally high levels of radiation, which is 6.61 kWh/m2/day in an area (NV).
You can find out more about solar irradiance in your area here.
Environmental Benefits of Going Solar in Connecticut
Transitioning to solar energy has a direct impact on the environment and assists in fighting against climate change and creating a sustainable future. These advantages include;
- Decreasing the need for fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases and other contaminants into the atmosphere.
- Improving air quality by lowering pollution.
- Cleaner water due to decreased pollution.
- Lowering the consumption and wastage of water by power plants.
Connecticut Solar Energy by the Numbers
According to the SEIA, the installed solar capacity in Connecticut is 1,161 MW, which puts the state 22nd in the US ranking. The solar capacity is generated by 72 installations and is enough to power 169,514 homes.
SEIA data further show that the total solar investment in Florida is $2.8 billion and that prices have fallen 52% over the last 10 years.
Bottom Line
Going solar in Connecticut is easy thanks to the presence of many reliable solar companies and the availability of federal and state solar incentives and rebate programs. For the best experience and best prices when going solar ensure you hire the right company. That is why we recommend getting at least three quotes from local, regional, and national installers so you can identify and pick the best.
Connecticut Solar Energy Resources
DSIRE Incentives Database Connecticut
This website provides information on solar incentives and policies in Connecticut.
This website offers reliable energy data and covers all types of energy sources including solar power in Connecticut.
This article has everything you need to know about incentives and rebates available in Connecticut.
