Cost of Solar Panels in Connecticut (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Connecticut?

Before considering any incentives, a 7-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system costs $19,453 in Connecticut. Prices in Hartford are comparable, ranging from $14,541 to $29,083.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Connecticut

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

Are solar panels worth it in Connecticut?

For a lot of residents, going solar is worth it in Connecticut for the long-term savings on utility bills.

For instance, Michael in Somers saw his summer electric bill go from $800 to $19 in the first year with solar panels. He told us he lives in a 5,000-square-foot home, and his annual electric bill dropped from $4,000 to around just $100.

But it doesn’t work out for everyone. Cara in East Haven had issues with roof leaks after the panels were installed. She also still has high electric bills some months — combined with solar panel payments, it ends up more expensive than what she was paying for just electricity before.

We suggest comparing a few cost estimates. Weigh your installation costs against how much you can save over time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator is a good resource to see how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.

Energy cost savings examples

• “Last winter, our highest bill was just $60.” — Joseph in North Stonington
• “Even during the winter months where my energy bill was less than $160.” — Jean in Orange
• “I saw my electric bill being under $50 a month. I like that a lot. Some of my energy bills were only $10, $12.” — Ralph in Southington

Regional solar considerations in Connecticut

Whether going solar is worth it also depends on where you live in Connecticut. The state only gets 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like tall trees above your roof — will make your solar system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Connecticut

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Connecticut household needs about a 7 kW system, which costs $19,460 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

Solar panel costs

Prices vary depending on efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.

You might also have to spend more if aesthetics are important to you. For example, Angela in Branford assumed that her panels would be black, but they weren’t. “Black would be an additional charge. We decided it wasn't worth the additional charge to get it,” she said.

Other equipment

• Solar batteries: The cost of solar batteries generally ranges between $7,000 and $18,000. Solar batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert the solar power generated by your panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track the amount of energy your system produces and identify any potential issues. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who feel blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process — avoid it if you can.

To ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Local labor costs

Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs. Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state.

You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in more rural parts of Connecticut should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

Local permits and fees

Each Connecticut town has different permits and zoning processes. For instance, all Southbury permits are online. But in Derby, you have to call an electrical inspector on the phone. In Middlebury, there’s an online permit for rooftop solar, but ground-mounted systems require a separate zoning permit. The fees also vary from town to town.

Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) has some information about local requirements. However, it’s best to directly contact your municipality for the most up-to-date information about solar permits and fees. Installation may require additional approvals if your home is in a designated historic district.

Ongoing maintenance costs

Solar panels have relatively low maintenance costs. If you clean the solar panels yourself, the only maintenance cost will be the water used to hose them down. Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels typically costs between $100 and $350.

One resident, Craig in Bloomfield, had to pay extra for snow shields. “The snow shields collect debris from trees and it gets trapped under the panel. The snow guards also prevent trying to clean the debris off,” Craig told us. It would cost another $600 to remove the snow shields.

How to compare solar quotes

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Connecticut. One solar company reviewer, Brian in Shelton, said the cost estimates for his installation varied by $30,000.

Solar prices in Connecticut have decreased 42% over the last decade.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.78 in Connecticut.

Cost per watt and total solar panel system costs in Connecticut

How can I pay for solar panels in Connecticut?

Financing options and leasing programs make going solar much more affordable for the average Connecticut resident. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains solar panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.
• Power purchase agreements: A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. You buy the power generated by the system on a per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s a fixed price, and the cents/kWh is usually cheaper than the utility’s rate for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in Connecticut

There are still a few solar incentives in Connecticut. Most residents can qualify for a property tax exemption for the value a solar system adds to their house, and there’s a 100% sales tax exemption on solar equipment. You can also sometimes save money through solar panel manufacturers’ rebates.

What to know about net metering in Connecticut

Connecticut no longer offers traditional net metering for new solar customers. The state’s Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) Program is designed to mimic the savings of net metering while giving you a predictable 20-year compensation structure. It’s a great deal for some homeowners.

“My utility company actually owes me money,” Dale in Manchester told us. “Especially during the summertime, I generate a significant amount of power. For instance, so far this year, they owe me between $1,600 to $1,700, and by the end of the summer, it could be as much as $2,500 to $3,000.”

In simple terms, you still get credited for extra electricity your panels send to the grid — either as bill credits or as cash payments. This happens in one of two ways:

• Buy-all tariff: Eversource or UI buys all the electricity your system produces at a fixed cents-per-kWh rate locked in for 20 years. You don’t use your solar directly. Instead, your earnings show up as bill credits (with an annual cash-out option). This option works best if you want predictable payments or you’re using a PPA/lease.
• Netting tariff: Your home uses your solar power first, and any extra you send to the grid earns bill credits at the current retail electricity rate, minus a minor Solar Energy Adjustment charge ($0.005 per kWh of total solar production). Those credits roll over month to month and can be cashed out when you close your account. This option most closely resembles traditional net metering and usually gives the best savings for homeowners who own their system.

Compare solar installation companies in Connecticut

Read our buyers guide for Connecticut solar companies and Hartford solar companies for more information on what to look for when going solar.

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Connecticut and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Connecticut and nearby states