The best solar installers in Connecticut
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). For other regions, see the Honorable mentions below.
Earthlight Technologies Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 568 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Aegis Solar Energy Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 24 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Everlast Energy & Roofing Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 271 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Connecticut residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong CT-based alternatives and regional installers that serve Connecticut from neighboring states.
Other Connecticut-based installers
SAVKAT Solar Local
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 202 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Connecticut
Worth a quote if you're near the NY, MA, or RI border, but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully CT-based installer.
Trinity Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 1818 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Venture Home (formerly Venture Solar) Regional
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 410 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: CT switched from traditional NEM to the RRES tariff (Buy-All or Netting) in 2022 — your installer's tariff selection materially affects payback. Ask each bidder to model both Buy-All and Netting against your specific load profile before you sign.
Connecticut solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Connecticut average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.27–$0.32 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.85–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,150–1,300 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering and tariff-based renewable energy program |
| Average cash payback | 9–11 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Connecticut solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Connecticut stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Connecticut state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: CT Statute §12-81(57) — property tax exemption for renewable energy systems.
- Sales tax: CT sales tax exemption for solar PV equipment (Statute §12-412(117)).
Net metering & utility programs in Connecticut
CT replaced traditional NEM with the RRES tariff in 2022: choose between (1) Buy-All Tariff (utility buys all solar production at a fixed rate) or (2) Netting Tariff (NEM-style with monthly netting + REC compensation). See also net metering explained.
- Eversource CT: RRES Buy-All or Netting tariff www.eversource.com
- United Illuminating: RRES Buy-All or Netting tariff www.uinet.com
Connecticut battery storage incentives
Energy Storage Solutions (ESS): Eversource & UI utility battery dispatch program — pays homeowner residual income for letting the utility dispatch the battery during peak events. Strong residual revenue.
Connecticut EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- State EV purchase rebate: CHEAPR: up to $4,250 for new EV purchase (verify 2026 funding).
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Connecticut utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection: portal.ct.gov/DEEP
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=CT — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Connecticut
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Connecticut installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Connecticut installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Connecticut solar
Does solar make sense in Connecticut?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Connecticut's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Connecticut solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Connecticut solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Connecticut; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.