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Best Solar Companies in Connecticut

Sunrun, Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions and Freedom Forever are our top picks

    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,483)
    • Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions
      4.7(25)
    • Freedom Forever
      4.0(265)
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    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
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    Edited by: Justin Martino
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Connecticut

    Sunrun is the best solar panel installer in Connecticut, based on overall customer satisfaction ratings. Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions stands out for having a lot of local experience, and Freedom Forever is our pick for customer service.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
    • 4,768,662 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    Our 3 picks for the best solar companies in Connecticut

    1. Best overall: Sunrun
    2. Best for local experience: Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions
    3. Best for customer service: Freedom Forever

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on local ratings and reviews, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 

    Some of our picks are Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not influence our evaluations. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Compare top-rated solar energy companies in Connecticut

    Our Connecticut solar company picks

    Our top pick overall

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.2
    3,483 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews
    Pros
    • Long-term savings
    • Flexible payment options
    • Daily system monitoring
    • Roof leak warranty
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional billing issues

    Sunrun offers personalized residential solar system design throughout Connecticut. 

    Reps start by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. Then they use a specialized modeling tool to create the optimal design based on your specific roof characteristics like shading, pitch and sun exposure.

    We also really like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. 

    What to consider: Some customers report dissatisfaction with contract terms, so it’s important to review agreements closely before signing.

    “The Sunrun representative I worked with was knowledgeable and provided a lot of information about solar panels. … Everything worked out smoothly, and I'm very satisfied with the overall process and the benefits of having solar energy.”
    Richard Plainville, CT
    “Sunrun was upfront about everything, including what the installation process would entail, the expectations regarding my bill, and offered choices on how I could benefit monetarily, which I preferred as a credit on my bill.”
    Beverley Waterbury, CT
    “Sunrun has proven its efficiency, significantly reducing my electricity expenses.”
    Marie Milford, CT
    • Energy services: Sunrun is a full-service solar panel installer. Battery storage options and EV charging solutions are also available.
    • Equipment options: Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.
    • Warranties: For purchased systems, the standard warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The 95% performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.
    Sunrun has proven its efficiency, significantly reducing my electricity expenses. ”
    — Marie, a Sunrun customer in Milford, CT
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for local experience

    Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions

    Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions
    4.7
    25 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2008
    Read Reviews
    Pros
    • Local and family-owned
    • Free monitoring through app
    • Maintenance and repair services available
    • Financing available
    Cons
    • May not be the cheapest option
    • Occasional installation delays

    Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions, a family-owned company based in Ellington, Connecticut, has built a reputation for straightforward service and quality installations. Known for its knowledgeable staff and strong warranties, Earthlight offers customized solar solutions with flexible financing options. 

    We also appreciate that reps avoid the high-pressure sales tactics that are common in the solar industry.

    What to consider: Earthlight offers maintenance and repair services, but they aren’t included in standard solar packages. If you need help, you can request service through the company’s website.

    “I liked that they are a CT company and they provided the highest quality panels at a reasonable cost.”
    Miles Bethany, CT
    “They were easy to work with from design to installation. I had many questions along the way and was always able to get a hold of someone.”
    Eric Torrington, CT
    “We track our energy production with the web app, and the system is producing more than I expected. It does what we wanted and helps with our electric bills.”
    David Hartford, CT
    • Energy services: Energy storage solutions, system monitoring and ongoing maintenance to help homeowners maximize efficiency and reliability.
    • Equipment options: Rooftop and ground-mounted panels, as well as battery storage options, are available. Panels and racking equipment are manufactured by Renewable Energy Corporation (REC), Qcells and Maxeon.
    • Warranties: Panels are covered for 20 to 40 years (depending on the manufacturer). There is also a 25-year microinverter warranty and a 12-year installation warranty.
    They were easy to work with from design to installation.”
    — Eric, an Earthlight Solar customer in Torrington, CT
    Our pick for customer service

    Freedom Forever

    Freedom Forever
    4.0
    265 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2011
    Read Reviews
    Pros
    • Helpful online portal and mobile app
    • Variety of financing options
    • Good production guarantee
    Cons
    • Vague equipment descriptions
    • Some communication issues
    “My representative was friendly and efficient. Though my problem is not resolved, yet, she went above and beyond educating me in other areas of being a solar customer.”
    Elise Groton, CT
    • Energy services: Freedom Forever designs and installs custom solar systems, offers battery storage options and provides financing plans to make solar more accessible.
    • Equipment options: Installers primarily use Tesla equipment, along with select panel brands. Tesla Powerwall storage batteries are also available.
    • Warranties: The 25-year production guarantee promises that your system will produce the energy listed in your contract. The standard warranty fixes or replaces parts if something breaks.
    My representative was friendly and efficient. ”
    — Elise, a Freedom Forever customer in Groton, CT

    Solar Companies in Connecticut Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions logo
    Freedom Forever logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      High energy costs in Connecticut make going solar an economical option for a lot of residents. But with so many options to choose from, where should you start? Here is everything you need to know about hiring a solar company in the Constitution State.

      Key insights

      In Connecticut, a typical residential solar panel system is $9,751 to $27,861, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The 30% federal solar tax credit is expiring sooner than expected. You now only have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install a system and get the 30% solar tax credit.

      Jump to insight

      A good company won’t just put panels on your roof; they’ll be there for service, support and warranty coverage for decades.

      Jump to insight

      How to choose a solar company in Connecticut

      Solar panels are a long-term investment — most systems last 25 years or more. That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment. 

      Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

      1. Read reviews

      Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

      • Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
      • Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
      • Billing and contract issues

      Local experience matters too. Companies with a history in Connecticut understand state-specific incentive programs, utility rules, permitting requirements and how to design systems that perform well in New England’s climate.

      2. Check credentials

      In Connecticut, solar contractors must be licensed as a "PV-1 Limited Solar Electric Contractor.” This ensures they’re qualified to design and install solar systems. Always confirm that your installer has:

      • A valid state license (you can check on the Connecticut eLicense portal)
      • Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
      • NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

      3. Compare quotes

      Get at least three solar quotes to compare prices, equipment, warranties and services. Be cautious of unusually low bids — they may signal poor-quality panels, hidden fees or weak warranty coverage.

      Also, ask whether they offer extras you might want, like battery storage, an EV charger or critter guards to protect your panels.

      4. Read the fine print

      The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.

      Pro tip

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      » COMPARE: Best solar companies in Hartford

      How much does it cost to go solar in Connecticut?

      Connecticut solar panel costs typically range from $9,751 to $27,861. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      A typical Connecticut household needs a system with a capacity of 7 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Connecticut, the cost per watt is $2.79.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Connecticut

      The table above doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid.

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage is that you can avoid paying any interest.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      Most panels last 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance.

      Connecticut also has legalized power purchase agreements. PPAs work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that it might make your house harder to sell, since a new buyer will have to take over the PPA or lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Connecticut

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

      The ITC expires at the end of 2025.

      Residents may take advantage of more solar incentives in Connecticut, like additional tax breaks and loan programs. There’s also Connecticut's Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) Program.

      Similar to net metering, RRES compensates homeowners with solar panels when they send their excess electricity into their local power grid.

      FAQ

      Are solar panels worth it in Connecticut?

      The general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Connecticut. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 6.2 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). Homeowners can avoid $79,390 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      However, your energy production will likely be affected by seasonality. 

      For instance, Leigh in South Glastonbury told us: “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.” During the spring, they “basically don’t pay anything at all,” Leigh said.

      For others, like Emily in Fairfield, the ecological benefits are enough to make solar worth considering: “It’s really important for our country and for our kids and future generations that everybody do what they can for the environment.” Emily said her family is doing what they can to “make the future cleaner, and healthier, and better for everyone.”

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Can I get free solar panels in Connecticut?

      There’s no totally free option to get solar panels in Connecticut that we’re aware of. Unfortunately, scams that promise free solar panels can cost consumers a lot of money. 

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      No. In 2022, the state legislature declared that homeowners associations could not block residents’ efforts to install rooftop solar panels.

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. 

      We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels on my house?

      To install solar panels on your house, you first need to obtain a building permit. Additional permits may be required depending on your location in Connecticut, such as if your house is in a historic district. 

      The cost of these permits varies with the design of your solar system. Generally, for a standard roof-mounted system, there is an application fee of approximately $14.26 per $1,000 of the total project cost. The solar company you choose should help you navigate all the necessary paperwork and fees.

      Is it cheaper if I install solar panels myself?

      It’s potentially cheaper to install solar panels yourself. It’s also tricky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.

      » DIY solar panels: Pros, cons and installation guide

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Connecticut

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared solar providers to find the ones that best suited meet the needs of most Connecticut homeowners' energy needs

      We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving Connecticut. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

      Local customer satisfaction (65%)
      We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Connecticut. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

      Price satisfaction (7%)
      We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

      Payment options (7%)
      We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

      Warranties and guarantees (7%)
      A long warranty shows confidence in a company’s work. We compared both equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide between 10 and 25 years of coverage.

      Installation satisfaction (7%)
      We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

      Customer service satisfaction (7%)
      We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Connecticut Programs." Accessed Sept. 16, 2025.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Connecticut Solar." Accessed Sept. 16, 2025.
        3. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, “National Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed Sept. 16, 2025.
        4. Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 16, 2025.
        5. U.S. Department of Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.” Accessed Sept. 16, 2025.

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