Solar Guide
Solar in Stamford
Stamford residents face Connecticut’s high electricity costs at 28.76 cents per kWh—73% above the national average. Understanding your home solar panel options can help address these rising energy expenses.
This guide covers everything Stamford homeowners need to know about solar installation, from local incentives to choosing the right system.
CONNECTICUT by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut electricity rates are 75% above national average at 28.8¢/kWh, making solar a smart financial choice for Stamford residents.
- Solar systems in Stamford typically pay for themselves in about 5 years through electricity bill savings and federal tax credits.
- Connecticut offers property and sales tax exemptions plus 1:1 net metering, maximizing your solar investment value.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Stamford neighborhoods like Shippan, Springdale, North Stamford, and Glenbrook. Get accurate, local pricing based on actual projects we’ve completed in your area.
System
Cost
Savings
Stamford Electricity Prices
Stamford residents face Connecticut’s high electricity costs at 28.8 cents per kWh in 2024—75% above the national average of 16.5 cents.
Connecticut’s electricity rates have surged dramatically, jumping from 21.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 28.8 cents in 2024—a 31% increase in just three years.
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping homeowners reduce their dependence on the grid and shield themselves from these unpredictable utility rate increases over time.
With solar systems typically lasting 25+ years, homeowners can lock in predictable energy costs while Connecticut’s utility rates continue their upward trend nationwide.
Price of Energy: Connecticut vs National Average
Stamford Area Utility Providers
Stamford residents are served by two main utility companies: Eversource (31.6¢/kWh) and United Illuminating (33.2¢/kWh), both charging well above national averages in 2023.
Connecticut’s high electricity rates stem from the state’s reliance on natural gas and limited energy infrastructure, making both utilities significantly costlier than the 16.0¢ national average.
With electricity costs nearly double the national rate, Stamford homeowners often explore solar options to create predictable energy expenses and reduce long-term utility dependence.
Stamford Utilities Electricity Rates
Connecticut Solar Incentives
Connecticut offers valuable solar incentives in Connecticut to help Stamford residents reduce installation costs significantly.
These programs include property and sales tax exemptions that eliminate additional costs, plus net metering options that provide ongoing savings.
Understanding these incentives helps you maximize your solar investment while supporting Connecticut’s clean energy goals.
$8,390
Average savings in Connecticut solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | Added home value from solar not subject to property tax. Requires application with local assessor. | Learn More |
| Sales Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | No state sales tax on solar equipment and installation. Reduces upfront purchase price. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Connecticut’s Property Tax Exemption for solar energy systems allows homeowners to exclude the added value of their solar installation from their property tax assessment. This means that while your solar panels may increase your home’s overall value, you won’t pay additional property taxes on that increased value. The exemption applies to both residential and commercial solar energy systems installed on your property.
The financial benefit varies depending on your home’s location and local tax rates, but it can result in significant long-term savings. For example, if your solar system adds $20,000 to your home’s value and your local property tax rate is 2%, you would save $400 annually in property taxes. This exemption continues for as long as you own the solar system, providing ongoing tax relief throughout the system’s lifetime. To qualify, your solar energy system must be properly installed and meet local building codes and utility interconnection requirements.
Connecticut’s Sales Tax Exemption for renewable energy allows businesses in the solar and clean energy industries to purchase equipment, materials, and supplies without paying the state’s sales tax. This exemption applies to items used directly in researching, developing, testing, or manufacturing renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. The financial benefit equals the full Connecticut sales tax rate (currently 6.35%) on qualifying purchases, which can result in significant savings for businesses involved in clean energy production.
To qualify for this exemption, businesses must be actively engaged in the renewable energy and clean energy technology industries, and the purchased items must be used directly in production, research, development, or manufacturing processes. Companies need to present Form CERT-142 to sellers when making purchases to claim the exemption. Important limitations include that this exemption does not apply to services, real property, construction materials for buildings, repair parts, or general office supplies used for administration. The exemption has been effective since July 1, 2010, with no specified end date, making it an ongoing benefit for qualifying renewable energy businesses in Connecticut.
Connecticut’s Residential Renewable Energy Solutions program offers 1:1 net metering for homeowners with solar panels. This means when your solar system produces more electricity than you use, the excess energy is sent back to the grid and you receive full retail rate credits on your utility bill. These credits can be carried over from month to month, helping offset your electricity costs during times when your solar panels aren’t producing enough power to meet your home’s needs.
The financial benefit depends on when your solar system was installed. If you installed your system after January 1, 2022, any unused credits will roll over indefinitely until you move or close your utility account – giving you maximum flexibility to use your solar credits over time. However, if your system was installed before January 1, 2022, any remaining credits are settled annually in March at the utility’s avoided cost rate, which is typically lower than the retail rate. This program is available through both major Connecticut utilities: Eversource and United Illuminating Company, making it accessible to most homeowners across the state who choose to go solar.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Connecticut incentives.
Get a Free QuoteStamford Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Stamford’s coastal location brings variable weather patterns and seasonal sun angles that impact solar production. However, Connecticut receives ample sunlight for effective solar energy generation year-round.
Solar Production in Stamford by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Stamford
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to create this interactive heatmap of Stamford. Click any hexagon to discover how many neighbors in that area have already made the switch to clean energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
Stamford residents have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through both Eversource and United Illuminating Company. With a PPA, you pay for the actual electricity your solar panels generate at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than your current utility rates.
This solar financing option offers several advantages over paying cash upfront. You avoid the large initial investment while still enjoying immediate savings on your electricity bills. Plus, the solar company handles all system maintenance and monitoring, so you don’t need to worry about upkeep or repairs.
Our LightReach program makes solar accessible to more homeowners by eliminating the barriers of high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance responsibilities, allowing you to start saving from day one.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes excellent financial sense in Stamford. Connecticut’s electricity rates at 28.8¢/kWh are 75% above the national average, making solar savings substantial for local homeowners.
With the 30% federal tax credit and Connecticut’s property tax exemptions, most Stamford solar systems pay for themselves in about 5 years while providing 25+ years of energy savings.
Yes, Stamford has net metering through both major utilities. Eversource and United Illuminating Company both offer 1:1 net metering, meaning you receive full retail rate credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid.
For systems installed after January 1, 2022, excess credits roll over indefinitely until you move. This net metering policy maximizes your solar savings by crediting you the full 28.8¢/kWh rate for surplus energy production.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Stamford, CT. Research shows that solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average across the United States.
In Connecticut’s competitive real estate market, solar panels provide additional benefits beyond increased value. They demonstrate lower ongoing energy costs to potential buyers, which is especially attractive given Connecticut’s high electricity rates of 28.8¢/kWh.
Solar costs in Stamford typically range from $14,589 to $25,619 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
A typical medium-sized home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) needs a 9.4 kW system costing around $19,578 after incentives. Connecticut’s property and sales tax exemptions provide additional savings, making solar more affordable for Stamford residents.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Stamford. With Connecticut’s high electricity rates at 28.8¢/kWh—75% above the national average—solar systems typically pay for themselves in about 5 years through utility bill savings.
The 30% federal tax credit plus Connecticut’s property and sales tax exemptions significantly reduce upfront costs, while 25+ years of energy production provides substantial long-term savings for homeowners.
We’re Palmetto Solar, and we’ve been serving Connecticut residents since 2011 with over 1,235 installations completed statewide since 2020. As a national company with local focus, we understand Stamford’s unique energy challenges and high utility costs.
Our comprehensive approach includes some of the industry’s best financing options, a trusted installation network, and ongoing support throughout your solar journey. We handle everything from permits to interconnection, making the switch to clean energy simple for Stamford homeowners.