Connecticut Solar Panels

New residential solar customers in Eversource or United Illuminating territory apply through the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program and choose either Buy-All or Netting. For eligible 2026 applications, Buy-All pays $0.3289 per kWh for all system production under the tariff, while the customer purchases household electricity separately. Under Netting, solar serves the home first and excess generation earns on-bill credits at the applicable retail rate; the 2026 REC rate is $0.000 per kWh, and a $0.0402-per-kWh Solar Energy Adjustment applies to total solar production.

The applicable tariff is generally fixed for 20 years. Eligible customers may qualify for an additional income adder (at or below 60% of State Median Income) or an economically distressed municipality adder; for 2026, the listed adders are $0.055 or $0.035 per kWh for income-qualified Buy-All or Netting customers, and $0.0275 or $0.0175 per kWh for qualifying locations, respectively. Eligibility, application requirements, and any applicable adder should be confirmed with the utility and installer in writing. RRES Netting is not the former one-for-one net-metering arrangement.

Connecticut exempts qualifying solar-electric generating systems, related equipment, and specified installation services from state sales and use tax. The exemption can lower the upfront cost of a qualifying residential solar installation; the purchaser, contractor, property owner, or tenant generally uses DRS form CERT-140.

The exemption applies to qualifying solar-related purchases, not automatically to every battery purchase. A battery installed as part of a solar system may require confirmation that it qualifies as related equipment, and the supplied program information does not establish a blanket exemption for a standalone battery. Confirm the treatment with the Department of Revenue Services or the installer before purchase.

Connecticut law provides a property-tax exemption for qualifying Class I renewable-energy systems used for private residential purposes or on a farm. Residential eligibility generally covers a single-family home or a multifamily dwelling with two to four units, and estimated annual system output must not exceed the site’s estimated annual load. This is an exemption from local property taxation on qualifying equipment, not a cash rebate.

Participation in a state tariff program or third-party ownership does not by itself disqualify an otherwise eligible system. Apply through the municipal assessor and follow the municipality’s filing procedures and deadlines. Energy storage equipment may be included as a system component in applicable rules, but homeowners should verify that a particular battery and installation qualify with the assessor.

Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) offers incentives for eligible grid-connected residential batteries in Eversource and United Illuminating territory, whether the battery is paired with solar or installed as a standalone behind-the-meter system. For new enrollments under Construct 5 from April 1, 2026, the enrollment incentive is $30 per kWh of rated capacity for standard customers or $130 per kWh for qualifying Grid Edge customers. Enrollment is through an eligible contractor and approved equipment, and is subject to program approval and capacity.

Participants can also receive seasonal performance payments over a 10-year term, based on measured average kW-AC contribution during dispatch events rather than the battery’s nameplate capacity. The listed residential rates are $300/kW for standard customers, $450/kW for eligible customers in underserved or distressed municipalities, and $550/kW for low-income customers (generally below 60% of State Median Income); Grid Edge status is determined using utility criteria. Actual payments depend on dispatch participation and performance, so published rates are not a guaranteed total award. The older, larger upfront incentive design is not available to new enrollees under Construct 5.

Shared Clean Energy Facilities (SCEF) lets eligible Eversource and United Illuminating customers access renewable generation through a subscription to a shared project instead of installing panels on their property. Subscribers receive credits on their utility bills under the applicable program and subscription arrangement, which can make solar accessible to renters and homeowners whose roofs are unsuitable for panels.

This is a subscription and bill-credit option, not a guaranteed cash rebate or free solar service. Actual savings depend on the project’s subscription terms and how credits and payments are handled. Project availability and subscriber eligibility vary, so check the state program and utility information before signing a subscription agreement.

ConnectedSolutions is not an open enrollment option for a new 2026 battery installation: new enrollments stopped in 2023. Existing participants may continue to receive performance incentives under their prior arrangements, with program information indicating payments may continue until at least 2027 or may transfer to ESS, depending on the applicable arrangement.

Any payment is limited to customers who were already enrolled and remains subject to their existing program terms and participation requirements. Homeowners considering a new battery should review current ESS eligibility instead; do not treat ConnectedSolutions as an available new-customer rebate.