Solar energy has become standard in many states, including Connecticut. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA), Connecticut is one of the fastest-growing small states in the solar energy industry. Solar power accounts for nearly half of its renewable energy generation, and incentives such as the Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program have made the transition to solar more affordable.

The Connecticut state government continues to support solar growth with additional incentives to encourage residents to install a home solar solution. However, with more than 130 solar companies to choose from, beginning your search for a provider may feel overwhelming. We at the This Old House Reviews Team have researched the best solar panel companies to find the top providers in the Constitution State, whether you’re in Hartford, New Haven, or a more rural town.

Compare Solar Companies Across CT

Star Rating Superlative Location Presence BBB Rating Link
SunPower
Best High-Efficiency System 50 States A+
Momentum
Best Solar Panel Installation 11 States A+
Sunrun
Best Solar Panel Leasing 20 States A+
Palmetto
Best Customer Support 24 States A+
Trinity
Best Certified Installer 9 States A+
Tesla Solar
Best Solar Tech 50 States NR
SunPower
Logo SunPower
Star Rating
Superlative Best High-Efficiency System
Location Presence 50 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Momentum
Logo Momentum
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Panel Installation
Location Presence 11 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Sunrun
Logo Sunrun
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Panel Leasing
Location Presence 20 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Palmetto
Logo Palmetto
Star Rating
Superlative Best Customer Support
Location Presence 24 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Trinity
Logo Trinity
Star Rating
Superlative Best Certified Installer
Location Presence 9 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Tesla Solar
Logo Tesla Solar
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Tech
Location Presence 50 States
BBB Rating NR
Get Quote

Connecticut’s Top Solar Energy Companies:

 


 

Our Top Solar Company Picks for Connecticut

SunPower Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • 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.
Pros and Cons
Pros Includes 25-year warranties for the product, workmanship, and performance Produces in-house system components to improve performance Uses some of the most efficient solar panels available Cons Costs more than other solar systems Limits customization, since all components are produce in-house
SunPower Solar Details

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.

Learn more: SunPower Review

 


 

Sunrun Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • 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.
Pros and Cons
Pros Adds theft and damage coverage for leased and prepaid products Provides battery storage options Offers four flexible financing choices to fit every budget Cons Omits certain system protections for cash and solar loans customers Varies warranty coverage based on the selected financing option
Sunrun Details

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.

Learn more: Sunrun Review

 


 

Palmetto Best Customer Support
4.4
  • 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.
Pros and Cons
Pros Manages your full solar project from start to finish Offers online tools to estimate your potential solar savings Provides three years of active system monitoring with its protection plan Cons Has only two payment options Only offers a workmanship warranty in certain locations
Palmetto Solar Details

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.

Learn more: Palmetto Solar Review

 


 

Trinity Best Certified Installer
4.2
  • 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.
Pros and Cons
Pros Includes two-year power production guarantee Uses an in-house installation team Offers three payment options for its systems Cons Limits workmanship warranty to five years Provides limited service information on its website
Trinity Solar Details

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.


 

Momentum Best Solar Panel Installation
4.4
  • 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.
Pros and Cons
Pros Builds customized installations Includes 25-year equipment and workmanship warranties Provides real-time installation updates via the mobile app Cons No online quotes are available No solar battery storage options for Connecticut
Momentum Solar Details

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.

Learn more: Momentum Solar Review

 


 

Solar Incentives in Connecticut

Connecticut property owners who purchase a solar system may be eligible for various solar incentives, rebates, and tax credits. Those who purchase their solar system outright or by taking out a solar loan are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. This provides a tax credit equal to 30% of your system’s total cost. This credit is applied to your federal tax liability to reduce or eliminate your owed balance. 

Here are some additional incentives available in the Constitution State. 

  • Energy Efficiency Loan Program: Connecticut residents may be eligible for a low-interest loan of up to $40,000 to invest in a renewable energy system. Loan payments can be added to your monthly electric bill to keep things in one place.
  • Net-meteringThe state of Connecticut offers a net-metering program. These programs allow homeowners with a residential solar system to sell excess energy back to the grid for credits. This is usually at the retail electric rate. If credit remains at the end of the year, the system’s owner gets paid out at the wholesale rate.
  • Property Tax Exemption: Connecticut offers a statewide property tax exemption on residential solar installations. Even though your property’s value may increase from a solar installation, your annual property tax won’t. Connecticut also allows municipalities to offer additional property tax exemptions at their discretion.

 


 

Our Conclusion

Connecticut is an excellent state for solar power thanks to its government’s push to increase renewable energy. In 2022, the state committed to zero-carbon emissions from its electricity production by 2040. It also offers favorable solar incentives to make the transition more affordable.

We recommend Momentum Solar as one of the top solar contractors in Connecticut. The company makes switching to solar as easy as possible. It offers a range of financing options to fit your budget and is committed to helping you before, during, and after your solar installation. 

We recommend comparing at least three providers to find the best deals for your home.

 


 

FAQ About Solar Companies in Connecticut

 


 

Our Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

  • Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
  • Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
  • Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
  • Financing options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.