Constitution Staters are winning with home solar

The state of solar in Connecticut

With 194 days of sunshine per year,^*Best Places, Connecticut. (August 12, 2021). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/connecticut Connecticut may not be the sunniest state in most Americans' minds, but that doesn't stop the state from creating an impressive solar presence. Currently, Connecticut is the 21st-ranking solar state in the nation, an improvement over its 24th-place ranking in 2020.^*SEIA, Connecticut Solar, (Q1 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/connecticut-solar

While Connecticut has been installing large-scale solar systems for about a decade, the best is yet to come. In March 2021, the Connecticut Siting Council approved a 120 MW solar farm in East Windsor to produce enough clean energy to power 12,000 homes.^*Electrek, EGEB: Connecticut approves largest solar farm in the Northeast, (March 2021). https://electrek.co/2021/03/02/egeb-connecticut-largest-solar-farm-northeast/ This solar farm should be the largest in the Northeast.

How much solar energy does Connecticut produce?

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Connecticut currently produces 908.6 MW of solar energy annually through 53,946 installations.^*SEIA, Connecticut Sollar, (Q1 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/connecticut-solar Solar panels for homes and businesses throughout Connecticut give the state enough solar energy to power 130,963 homes.

What are the advantages of going solar in Connecticut?

Switching to solar power is an effective way to do your part in helping Connecticut reach its clean energy goals. In 2019, Connecticut Gov. Lamont released a plan to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity across the state by 2040.^*Utility Dive, Connecticut governor calls for 100% carbon-free power by 2040, (Sep 2019). https://www.utilitydive.com/news/connecticut-governor-calls-for-100-carbon-free-power-by-2040/562283/ If Connecticut reaches its solar capacity, it will reduce carbon emissions by 5.4 million metric tons,^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer, (Nov 2018) contributing to this goal.

Additionally, switching to solar energy can produce significant cost savings for you and your family. The average homeowner in Connecticut saves $15,000 over the 20 years following their solar installation.^*Google, Project Sunroof solar savings estimator, (Nov 2018) Solar energy is cheaper to harvest and use than traditional energy sources such as natural gas, making solar panels an investment that pays for itself over time.

How much does solar cost in Connecticut?

The cost of a home solar system can vary due to a range of factors, even in the same state. These include:

• Quality of the solar panels

• The angle of the roof

• Roof space

• Weather

• Household's energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Connecticut, we found that the investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,400 to $36,200, or in other words, from $2.68 to $7.24 per watt—and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives. Connecticut residents can receive financial incentives to decrease their overall costs of going solar.

• For example, the PosiGen Solar Lease and Energy Efficiency Energy Savings Agreement^*ACEEE State and Local Policy Database, Connecticut, (Dec 2020). https://database.aceee.org/state/connecticut, launched in 2015, helps low- to moderate-income residents better afford solar energy measures through a savings agreement plan.

• Another significant incentive is the Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy program. This financing program provides multi-family property-owners with long-term financing to cover the costs of clean energy upgrades to their homes.

• Connecticut homeowners can also take advantage of tax exemptions after switching to solar energy. The Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems^*DSIRE, Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems, (Mar 2021) https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/2613 eliminates the sales tax on solar systems purchases. Additionally, the Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems^*OLR Research Report, Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems (Sept. 5, 2013). https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0341.htm prevents homeowners from paying additional property taxes.

• Connecticut residents can also benefit from the federal investment tax credit, a 30% tax credit that homeowners can claim on their federal income taxes.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in Connecticut?

If you're considering switching to solar energy in Connecticut, your best course of action is to contact a reputable solar provider near you to help you through the process. Several variables come into play when choosing the right solar system for your home, including:

• Your roof size

• Your available roof space

• Your home's typical energy usage

• Your budget

A knowledgeable solar provider can assess your property then help you design a solar installation that checks all your boxes. Switching to solar won’t be time-consuming or challenging when you have an expert provider on your side.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re happy to help. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower below and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.