The 5 Best Solar Companies in Connecticut

• Why We Picked It: SunPower offers some of the most energy-efficient solar systems available. The company builds its solar systems with in-house components to ensure each system functions at peak capacity.

SunPower uses Maxeon solar panels, some of the top-performing monocrystalline panels available. Its signature SunPower Equinox System incorporates fewer panels in its installations, resulting in a more compact installation.

The company further improves its systems’ performance by eliminating third-party components. Instead, SunPower produces its own in-house components, creating a streamlined system to produce maximum power and efficiency. The result is better energy production and lower utility bills. You can add the SunVault Storage System for energy storage and the Wallbox electric vehicle (EV) charger.

SunPower backs its systems with excellent long-term warranties. You’ll receive a 25-year warranty for workmanship and equipment, plus a 25-year power guarantee. SunPower states that its panels will produce at least 92% of their initial output levels by the end of your contract.

SunPower offers three payment options: full payment, solar loans, and solar leases.

• Why We Picked It: Those looking for financial flexibility should consider Sunrun. The company makes it easy to find the best financing plan for your budget, from prepaid options to low-cost leases.

Sunrun offers four financing options to suit various budgets: full purchase, monthly loan, monthly lease, or full lease. Full purchase and loan customers receive a 10-year comprehensive warranty.

Customers who opt for the monthly lease can purchase their system for as little as $0 down. This financing option includes 24/7 monitoring services, a 25-year comprehensive warranty, and protection against theft and damage. A full lease requires you to pay for 25 years of solar up-front without purchasing the system. Prepaid customers receive the same benefits as monthly lease customers for 25 years.

Sunrun’s Product Selector helps customers determine whether their home is suited for solar panels. Customers enter details about their home size, electricity usage, roof type, and other factors to determine the best solar project and financing option for their needs. Once completed, you’ll get in touch with a Sunrun representative to get a customized free quote.

Along with high-powered solar panels, Sunrun customers can add a solar battery from Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem, two reputable options with a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

• Why We Picked It: Palmetto Solar takes a concierge-style approach to customer service, ensuring its customers receive the best support available. The company walks you through each step of the solar process, from the initial system design to the financing.

Palmetto Solar provides a guided installation process to reduce the stress of solar conversion. You’ll receive a dedicated project manager to oversee your installation and provide updates on its status. The company handles all aspects of your installation, eliminating the need for third-party installers or financing companies. Once your installation is complete, Palmetto’s concierge-style customer support team can help with any questions or concerns.

Palmetto offers protection plans in several tiers for enhanced system protection. Its lowest-cost option—the Essentials plan—includes the following warranty features:

• 25-year panel warranty
• 12-year inverter warranty
• 10-year workmanship warranty
• 5-year roof penetration warranty

Additional benefits include remote professional monitoring and troubleshooting services, alerts for detected system issues, and a monthly operational report. Customers receive the Palmetto Protect Essentials plan at no extra charge through the end of 2023. After this deadline, customers can continue the service for an added monthly fee.

Palmetto Solar offers two payment options: full payment and solar loans. Although the company offers fewer options than other companies, these options qualify you for maximum savings on your solar system.

• Why We Picked It: Trinity Solar was established in 1994 and has more experience in the solar industry than the other companies in our review. The company has completed more than 80,000 installations and has become a leader in solar on the East Coast.

Trinity Solar is the largest privately held, family-owned solar company in the United States. It offers full-service installations and uses in-house installers for each solar project. Trinity uses solar panels from Q Cells, a leading solar panel manufacturer. Customers can add solar batteries from Tesla and Generac to boost their overall energy savings.

Trinity’s warranty coverage isn’t as comprehensive as other companies’ offerings. Q Cell panels include a 25-year manufacturer warranty that covers your panel’s performance and function. The company offers a five-year workmanship warranty for its solar panels. Tesla and Generac include a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty for their solar batteries.

Trinity offers three payment options: up-front purchase, solar lease, or PPA. It also helps customers determine their eligibility for government rebate programs and local incentives. The company will help you enroll if you qualify, ensuring you get the best price for your system.

• Why We Picked It: Momentum Solar prioritizes making the solar conversion process as user-friendly as possible. The company handles the full process in-house to maintain direct communication with its customers and keep them informed of each step of their journey.

Momentum handles the full installation process, including the system design and paperwork. The company also coordinates with local officials for your final activation. Homeowners can track their project’s progress on Momentum’s mobile app. They can also track energy usage and production as well as monitor system health.

Momentum Solar builds each solar system with high-quality monocrystalline panels, the most efficient panels available. The company custom-builds your system to meet your specific energy needs. It helps with enrollment in local and federal solar incentives to help you save on your installation. Although Momentum offers energy storage options in other areas, these aren’t available to Connecticut customers.

Each system comes with a 25-year warranty for the equipment and workmanship. Your equipment warranty covers any manufacturer issues with the panels. Your workmanship warranty covers any problems or issues arising from faulty installation.

Momentum Solar offers four financing options: cash payments, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Customers can pay for their system outright with a full up-front payment or make smaller payments over time with a loan. Loans are available through Momentum for qualifying customers at $0 down. Cash or loan options qualify you for solar incentives and credits that help reduce installation costs.

Solar leases and PPAs don’t offer the same benefits since the solar installation company retains ownership of the system. A solar lease involves paying a monthly fee to use the system throughout your contract. A PPA means paying only for your energy usage, not the system. Your monthly amount varies each month and is typically lower than for loans or leases. Leases and PPAs offer the least benefits and no return on investment.