Connecticut Solar Information
-
#38Connecticut ranks #38 in the USA for savings from installing solar panels
-
5683.45 kWhAnnual AC energy output of a 4 kW solar system installed in Connecticut
-
4.90 kWhSolar Radiation (kWh / m2 / day)
-
13 ¢ /kWhThe cost of electricity today in Connecticut Light & Power Co (The)
-
27 ¢ /kWhIf you don't go solar. The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
Connecticut Solar Facts
-
$1.33Average cost of a 4kw solar power system in 2019.
-
4 yearsAverage system payback period.
-
$57 413Average lifetime savings.
-
5 ¢ /kWhLevelized cost of solar energy.
-
5 kWRecommended system size.
Connecticut enjoys one of the fastest-growing solar markets among the smaller US states, mainly because it receives more sunshine than most of the solar farms in Germany with approximately 4.5 hours of direct sunlight for every 10 square feet. Favorable laws, performance payments and rebates along with exorbitant electric prices make going solar in Connecticut a wise economic decision.
Connecticut Solar Facts
- Connecticut's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) calls for 29% of electricity sold in the state to come from renewable energy sources by 2020, 38% and 48% by 2025 and 2030 respectively.
- Since the early 2000s Connecticut has systematically ranked in the top 10 states for energy efficiency programs and policies.
- More than 112,000 homes in Connecticut have gone solar, mainly thanks to the state’s recent launch of C-PACE.
- The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that over 147 solar companies employ nearly 2,500 people in Connecticut, with the number of installations reaching 45,000 as of 2020.
- Total solar investments in the state equal $1,200 million in 2020.
- Solar Power System Cost in Connecticut
-
$1.33 per watt
-
$5 993 total
-
4 years
The Cost of Solar Panels in Connecticut
Connecticut's average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $11,900 to $16,100. On a cost per watt basis, a solar panel installation in Connecticut varies in price from $2.38 to $3.22.
Connecticut Solar Rebates and Tax Credits
Federal Tax Credit – With the federal government's Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, any homeowner who goes solar is entitled to receive a tax credit of 30% of all qualified expenses related to installing the solar power system.
State rebate for all equipment – It is applicable for systems up to 10 kW. Connecticut will pay $675 back for each kilowatt the system is designed to produce. That means you can save up to $6,750.
Connecticut Solar Incentives
Property tax incentives – a range of municipalities may eliminate property tax for the solar power system. The benefit can last at least 15 years, which means that even if some other improvements made to your house over this period increase the property tax you pay, you won’t have to pay any money for the solar setup added to your house. One of the 15 municipalities which offer a property tax exemption in Connecticut, presented below:
- Solar MAP (Municipal Assistance Program)
Every homeowner in Connecticut can economize even more with Net Excess Generation (NEG). Considering the fact that the amount of your leftover NEG from each month rolls over to the next, in the end of the year you may get the money from the government for producing your own electricity. It definitely may have a favourable effect on your budget.
Companies which provide Net Metering in Connecticut:
- VerOgy
- EnergySage
Notable Solar Installations in Connecticut
- East Lyme Solar Park was completed in 2014. This photovoltaic project has the capacity to generate 5 MW of electricity – enough to power over 682 Connecticut homes.
- Several large retailers in Connecticut have gone solar including General Growth Properties, IKEA and Kohl's. General Growth Properties has installed one of the largest installations with 1 MW of solar capacity at their location in Waterbury.
- At 2 MW, UI RCP Bridgeport Seaside in Bridgeport is among the largest solar installations in Connecticut. Completed in 2012, this photovoltaic project has enough electric capacity to power more than 300 homes.
Pros and Cons of Buying Solar Panels in Connecticut
Cons of buying solar panels
-
Not so much sun
Location of the state determines the weather, which is, fairly speaking, not the best ever. However, there are still more than 60% of sunny days, which are favorable for generating solar power. -
Possible high price for the installation
The installation of the solar power system may seem expensive at first, but you can get a bunch of rebates from the state, local authorities and municipalities. -
Large area is needed
It is not a secret that you need a large rooftop space or a large area of land nearby to install your PV system. For some households it might be quite a problem.
Pros of buying solar panels
-
Relatively short payback period
For Connecticut, the average solar payback period is 7.57 years. It is almost two times less than in many other states. -
Huge state support
The state government and local authorities are interested in increasing renewable energy capacity. That is why they offer different incentives to make it easier for you to go solar. -
Eco-friendly
Besides saving your money every month, solar energy is a truly clean, renewable, and sustainable power source. Sunlight is abundant and is ready to be harvested without any harm to the environment. What's more, installing an average-size solar system will mean saving 208 trees every year. It is proven that using solar energy instead of fossil fuels will decrease our carbon footprint by reducing air and water pollution. -
Low maintenance
Solar panels do not have any moving parts, so essentially there is no wear and tear with their usage. Thanks to this, solar panels are completely silent when working. The only maintenance that they need is the occasional cleaning from the dust, ice or snow. -
Excellent warranty protection
Today, most of the solar panels come with two types of warranties: performance guarantee and extended product warranty. The 25-year-long performance guarantee ensures efficient energy production for at least 25 years. Extended warranties guarantee to repair defective equipment, breakage or any deficit in the performance that might arise. -
Increase in the property value
Studies conducted by multiple organizations have recently shown that installing solar panels on the roof of your house definitely adds value to the property. On average, adding a solar energy system will raise your house value by 4.1%. Furthermore, not only do houses with PV installations sell at higher prices but they also sell faster than the houses without solar systems.
Is it worth going solar in Connecticut?
Weigh all pros and cons of solar energy twice before going for it. On the one hand you have a changeable weather which can’t guarantee a good solar harvest. On the other hand, local tax incentives and obvious advantages for the environment make solar energy an attractive thing to invest in. So, it’s up to you to choose.
When you install your solar system, 26% of your project expenses apply toward a credit to offset any taxes you owe that year. This federal tax credit is a major incentive to go solar, but it is being phased out by 2022.
Most people are eligible to claim this credit (you must owe federal taxes to be eligible).
System size
- Mini
- Small
- Medium
- Large
-
14 x 325 wattsolar panels - +
-
14 x 300 wattmicroinverter - +
-
1 x 5 000 wattinverter
-
$5 993.17Estimated system cost
Excludes 26% Federal Tax Credit.
This price does not include the installation cost. -
4 yearsAverage system payback period
-
$57 413.46Estimated utility savings
Example of 4 kW system calculation in Minnesota for electricity bill $100
-
13 ¢ /kWhThe cost of electricity today in Connecticut Light & Power Co (The)
-
27 ¢ /kWhIf you don't get solar. The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
-
5 ¢ /kWhlevelized cost of solar energy