Connecticut Solar Incentives — 2026 Guide
Connecticut offers some of the strongest solar incentive programs in the country. Here's what homeowners qualify for in 2026.
Note: The federal residential solar tax credit (ITC) expired December 31, 2025. Connecticut's state-level programs remain in place and are some of the best in the country. Federal commercial ITC still exists — consult your tax advisor for commercial installations.
CT Solar Incentives — 2026 Overview
Even without the federal residential credit, Connecticut homeowners can access significant incentives that make solar financially viable. Here's what the CT legislature and utility programs have in place for 2026.
CT RRES Rebate
The Connecticut Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program offers a rebate of $0.426 per watt of installed capacity. For an average 8kW system, that's approximately $3,408 back — paid as a credit on your electric bill or as a direct check from your installer.
Who qualifies: CT homeowners installing solar on their primary residence through a participating installer.
Eversource Buy-All Tariff Rate (2026)
The CT RRES Buy-All Tariff rate for Eversource customers is now $0.3289 per kWh — locked for 20 years. This rate applies to every kilowatt-hour your system produces, not just excess energy sent to the grid.
This rate is substantially higher than the national average and is a primary driver of solar ROI in Connecticut.
Smart-E Loan
The CT Green Bank's Smart-E loan program offers financing at 4.49% to 6.99% APR — significantly below market rate for home improvement loans. Terms up to 15 years, no money down required.
For most homeowners, a Smart-E loan with zero money down means your monthly solar payment is less than your electric bill from day one.
CT Sales Tax Exemption
Connecticut exempts solar energy systems from the 6.35% state sales tax. On an $25,000 system, that's saving $1,587 in sales tax — built into the purchase price through your installer.
CT Property Tax Exemption
Solar installations in Connecticut do not increase your assessed property value for tax purposes. Going solar adds $0 to your property tax bill — even though solar-equipped homes sell for more money.
ESS Battery Storage Incentive
Connecticut's Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) program offers up to $16,000 upfront for qualifying battery storage installations paired with solar. This is one of the most generous battery incentives in the country.
ESS batteries can also provide backup power during outages and maximize your self-consumption of solar energy.
How Incentives Stack Together
For an 8kW residential solar system in Hartford County (~$25,000 gross cost):
- RRES Rebate: −$3,408
- Sales Tax Exemption: −$1,587
- Net Cost: ~$19,500
- Smart-E Loan (0 down, 12 years at 6%): ~$185/month
- Average bill offset: $185–$220/month
- Year 1 cash flow: ~$0 out of pocket after first month
Actual numbers depend on your specific system size, roof, usage, and financing terms. Try our calculator →
See What You Qualify For
Every home and utility situation is different. We'll run the numbers for your specific property and tell you exactly what incentives you qualify for.
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