Are Solar Panels Worth It in Connecticut?

7 factors to consider before going solar in Connecticut

Many residents, like Chris in Wolcott and Wayne in Hebron, are happy to see their electric bills fall after switching to solar power. But it doesn’t work out for everyone. Here’s what to consider before you make the switch.

1. Solar panel installation costs

2. Connecticut solar incentives

3. Net metering buyback rates

4. Your energy consumption

5. How long you live in your house

6. The solar company you hire

7. How you pay

1. Solar panel installation costs

Average solar panel costs in Connecticut are comparable to the national average. A 6-kW system costs about $16,020. That doesn’t include a solar battery, which can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs.

Most installers set the price according to the system’s wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. “Cost per watt” is a little like looking at the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Connecticut, the average cost per watt is only $2.67.

Connecticut's average solar panel costs by system size

2. Connecticut solar incentives

The 30% federal solar tax credit is gone, and Connecticut doesn’t offer a broad statewide solar rebate. But there are still a few ways to lower costs:

• Qualifying systems are exempt from sales and property taxes

• Homeowners may qualify for low-interest financing or battery incentives.

» MORE: Solar incentives in Connecticut

3. Net metering rates in Connecticut

Net metering lets you sell excess electricity generated by your solar panels to the local power grid.

Connecticut no longer uses traditional net metering for new solar customers. Instead, eligible Eversource and UI customers can choose between two options:

• Netting: Your solar power runs your home first. Extra power goes to the grid and earns bill credits that can roll over to future months.

• Buy-All: The utility pays you for all the electricity your system produces, while you continue buying the electricity your home uses from the grid.

Which option saves you more depends on how much electricity you use, your system size and any extra incentives you qualify for.

Pro tip

For 2026 applications, Netting customers also pay a 4.02-cent-per-kWh Solar Energy Adjustment based on total solar production, so be sure to include that charge when comparing the two options.

4. Your current energy consumption

A typical Connecticut household needs a system with a capacity of 11.84 kW to offset its electricity needs with solar energy. You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your current energy consumption.

Look at your most recent utility bills to see how much electricity your house needs each month. This tells you what size and capacity your solar system needs to be. Once you know your current energy consumption, you can calculate your potential savings and the time it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself.

5. How long you plan to stay in your house

Solar installations are expensive, and it takes years for electric bill savings to make up for the initial cost. Solar panels typically pay for themselves within 6 years in Connecticut. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

It’s true that solar panels can increase the value of your home. But they can also complicate a sale. This is especially true if you lease your system, since the buyer may need to take over the contract.

This happened to Edward in Shelton. “The buyers consider it a hassle and the contract too complex to handle for 20 years,” he told us. “The only bids I have received are with the solar system removed.” When he asked to move the system instead, it took weeks on the phone to get any information. He was originally quoted $2,500 to move the system to his new house, then later quoted $8,690. Then, Edward was told that he might not be allowed to transfer the system at all.

If you think you’ll move in the next couple of years, you may want to consider a home improvement project with a better return on investment, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

6. The solar company you hire

People have had mixed experiences with solar companies. In the best-case scenario, it’s easy and you’re happy with the system’s performance. In the worst-case scenario, you end up paying thousands for mid-tier solar equipment from a company with poor customer service and no follow-up or support.

Many Connecticut homeowners report lower electric bills after going solar, but billing issues can cut into those savings. Lynne in Torrington, for example, said she was charged about twice what she expected for her usual energy use.

That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly research and verify claims made by sales teams before making a decision. Use the NLR’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

7. How you pay

It can be strategic to pay for the whole thing upfront. You own the system from day one and don’t have to pay interest on a loan. Of course, paying cash is not always an option. That’s when loans, leases and other agreements come into play.

• Solar loans work 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.

• Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.

• Power purchase agreements work a lot like solar leases. Instead of buying the panels, you pay for the electricity they generate at an agreed-upon rate. The solar company owns and maintains the system, and the contract usually lasts 10 to 25 years.

Monthly costs: solar payments vs. savings

Compare your monthly solar loan payment plus your remaining electric bill with what you pay your utility now. Solar financing may make sense if the total is lower — or close enough that future electricity rate increases could improve your savings over time.

For example, Neal in East Haven was paying $400 per month for electricity. Now, his $300 solar loan payment saves him $100 per month. After paying the loan, he anticipates $0 in energy costs.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

Going solar ends up being worth it for many homeowners as long as their house is a good candidate to support a solar panel installation. Here’s what to think about before you commit:

• What is the condition of your roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels — an expensive and frustrating process that you can avoid. When Richard in New Milford had a roof leak a few years after installing solar panels, he was quoted more than $10,000 to fix it.

• How old are your appliances? It’s smart to ensure that your electrical loads are as small as possible. If you have an older refrigerator or air conditioning unit, for instance, upgrade those before investing in solar panels. That way, you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

• How much sunlight do you get? Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible. Connecticut averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.

• What is the size and angle of your roof? Solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generally produce less electricity, especially with a steep pitch, so you may need more panels to meet your energy needs.

Pros and cons of solar panels in Connecticut

It’s a common misconception that solar panels will completely eliminate your monthly power bill — this is not always the case. Still, you’ll likely be paying much less than you would for traditional utility bills.

Benefits of solar panels in Connecticut

• Cheaper energy bills: Connecticut’s electricity rates are relatively high, which adds up to a lot of savings when you switch to solar. Going solar now means that your monthly energy expenses will be more predictable (and often lower). It also protects you from future energy cost increases.

• Better for the environment: Traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas release carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the air. Installing solar panels on your roof helps the environment primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

• Higher home resale value: Installing solar panels can increase a home’s value. The exact increase in value varies by location, with homes in active solar markets sometimes seeing even higher boosts.

• More energy independence: Some homeowners pair solar with battery storage for more energy independence and backup power during outages.

Drawbacks of solar panels in Connecticut

• Solar equipment is expensive: Solar panel prices typically start between $10,000 and $30,000. It’s even more expensive if you want a solar battery for energy storage. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000. Grid-tied systems need battery storage or another backup setup to keep powering a home during an outage.

• Potential roof leaks: The installation process involves drilling holes into the roof to anchor the panel mounting systems. If not done correctly, this can lead to leaks or structural damage.

• Could make your house harder to sell: Solar panels can make a home harder to sell if they’re leased or financed, since the buyer may have to take over the agreement. Some buyers may also worry about roof repairs, maintenance or whether the system will actually save them money.

• Energy production varies: Solar panels are dependent on weather conditions and seasonality. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but less available sunlight does affect how efficiently they produce energy. Snow cover may also temporarily reduce efficiency until it’s removed or melts off.

“The current bills vary from time of year,” said Leigh in South Glastonbury. “During summer, we’re running the air conditioning and the system doesn’t cover it. We ended up with bills probably around $300, which was better than the $1,500 in the first year when we moved in here. And during this time of the year, we basically don’t pay anything at all.”

» MORE: Solar energy pros and cons

Find solar companies in Connecticut

A good solar company helps you navigate local incentives, permitting and net metering policies. Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics. Compare our picks for the top solar companies in Connecticut to learn more.

FAQ

Bottom line: Is going solar in Connecticut worth it for you?

For a lot of homeowners, solar panels are worth it as long as their cost savings over time outweigh the initial investment. Others are happy to go solar for the environmental benefits alone. The main obstacle to going solar is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, inverters and other equipment.

Solar costs vs. savings: Connecticut and nearby states