Connecticut Solar Incentives 2026 — Residential Solar Investment Program
Connecticut's Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP) provides performance-based incentives for 6 years. With the highest electricity rates in the continental US, solar ROI in CT is exceptional — often the fastest payback in the country.
$23,500+
Max potential savings
3
Total incentives
29.6¢
Avg rate / kWh
6.5 yrs
Solar payback
$50,000
25-yr solar savings
1.8%
EV fleet share
Moderate ☀️
Solar potential
Solar Incentives in Connecticut
Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP)
$0.10–0.23/kWh for 6 yrs
Performance-based incentive for residential solar for the first 6 years of production.
Eligibility: CT Eversource and United Illuminating customers.
EV Incentives in Connecticut
CT CHEAPR EV Rebate
Up to $9,500
Enhanced rebate for low-income CT buyers purchasing new EVs. Standard rebate $7,500 for income-qualified.
Eligibility: CT residents with income at or below 300% FPL for enhanced rebate.
Heat Pump Incentives in Connecticut
HEAR Rebate (High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate)
Up to $14,000
Point-of-sale rebate up to $8,000 for heat pumps, $1,750 for HPWHs, $4,000 for panel upgrades. Income-based.
Eligibility: Households < 150% of Area Median Income. Program administered by state energy offices.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Compare bids from pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — the nation's largest online solar marketplace.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $50,000
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Is Solar Worth It in Connecticut?
Connecticut is an exceptional solar value — not because of its sun, but because of its electricity prices (29.6¢/kWh, second-highest in the continental US) and the RSIP performance incentive. Most Eversource and United Illuminating customers see payback under 7 years.
Nationally, EnergySage reports the average homeowner saves about $61,000 over 25 years by going solar — though actual savings vary by state, electricity rate, and system size.
Key Advantage
The RSIP pays $0.10–0.23/kWh for the first 6 years of production — adding $1,000–2,000/year in guaranteed revenue on top of net metering savings at CT's sky-high electricity rates.
Watch Out For
Connecticut's 4.0 peak sun hours/day limits raw production vs. southern states. Higher installation costs ($2.96/W average) partially offset the rate advantage.
Solar Cost & Savings in Connecticut (8 kW System)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross install cost | $23,680 |
| Net install cost | $23,680 |
| Annual energy savings | $2,766 |
| Simple payback period | 6.5 years |
| 25-year net savings | $50,000 |
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 and is not included above. State and utility incentives may still apply and are listed separately.
* Estimates based on 2.96/W avg install cost, 4 peak sun hrs/day, and 29.6¢/kWh rate with 2.5%/yr escalation. Individual results vary.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Compare bids from pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — the nation's largest online solar marketplace.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $50,000
We may earn a referral commission through EnergySage, at no cost to you.
How to Go Solar in Connecticut: Step-by-Step
- 1
Verify your utility and RSIP block status
Visit ctgreenbank.com or call CT Green Bank to confirm your utility territory and current RSIP incentive block availability. Earlier blocks have higher per-kWh rates — apply as soon as possible.
- 2
Get quotes from CT Green Bank-approved installers
Only pre-approved RSIP installers can submit applications. Find the approved list at ctgreenbank.com. Get 3+ quotes; target $2.80–3.10/W installed for CT.
- 3
Calculate your stacked incentives
Stack RSIP payments (6 yrs) + net metering credits (25+ yrs) + CT sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Total incentive value typically exceeds $10,000 over the first 10 years. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
- 4
Apply for the CT sales tax exemption
Connecticut exempts solar energy equipment from the 6.35% state sales tax. Confirm your installer applies this exemption before signing — it saves $1,200–1,800 on a typical system.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar & Clean Energy in Connecticut
Is solar worth it in Connecticut in 2026?
Yes — emphatically. With electricity averaging 29.6¢/kWh and the RSIP incentive adding guaranteed revenue for 6 years, most CT homeowners see payback in 6–8 years and 25-year savings of $45,000–55,000. Note: The federal 25D solar ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — if installed in 2025, consult a tax professional.
What is the Connecticut RSIP solar incentive?
The Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP), administered by CT Green Bank, pays a performance-based incentive (typically $0.10–0.23/kWh) for the first 6 years of your solar system's output. For an 8 kW system producing ~9,300 kWh/year at $0.12/kWh, that's ~$1,120/year in guaranteed income — $6,720 over 6 years — on top of your net metering bill credits.
Who qualifies for the RSIP in Connecticut?
CT residents served by Eversource Energy or United Illuminating qualify for RSIP. Municipal utility customers should contact their utility separately. RSIP applications are submitted through CT Green Bank — approved installers handle the paperwork.
How much does solar cost in Connecticut in 2026?
The average install cost in CT is $2.96/W, or ~$23,680 for an 8 kW system before incentives. The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025. With RSIP revenue ($6,700+ over 6 years), the effective net payback cost is reduced to ~$17,000 in present-value terms.
Recommended Products for Connecticut
CT DEEP Energy Storage: up to $16,000 rebate · $600/kWh for low-income
Calculate Your Connecticut Savings
Use our free calculators with Connecticut's electricity rate (29.6¢/kWh) and gas prices ($2.28/therm) automatically applied.
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Data Sources & Methodology
Incentive data: DSIRE, U.S. DOE, IRS, and state energy offices. Electricity rates: EIA Electric Power Monthly (Feb 2026). Solar production: NREL PVWatts v8. Install costs: EnergySage National Market Report Q4 2025. Rate escalation: 2.5%/yr (20-yr EIA avg). Last updated February 2026. Always verify current amounts with the administering agency.