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Why Connecticut is Shining When it Comes to Solar

Hi there! With high electricity rates and an ever-growing number of sun-filled days per year, Connecticut offers the perfect conditions to harness solar energy. Additional state solar incentives make going solar very financially appealing. This guide will overview the top solar companies to help Connecticut homeowners save money while benefiting the environment.

Key Benefits of Going Solar in Connecticut

  • Save $1,200 per year (average) on electric bills
  • Increase home value up to 4.1%
  • Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
  • Lower your carbon footprint
  • Lock in low electricity rates for decades

Read on to compare Connecticut‘s top solar contractors.

1. Green Power Energy: Premium Service and Warranties

With over 5,100 installations under their belt since 2008, Green Power Energy has the experience needed to properly outfit Connecticut homes with solar energy systems.

Focusing exclusively on renewable energy systems in CT, MA and RI, their local expertise translates to solar solutions tailored specifically to contend with our climate.

Offerings:

  • Solar panel systems
  • Battery storage
  • Electric vehicle (EV) chargers

Warranties:

  • 25 years on solar panels
  • 10 years on parts
  • Lifetime workmanship guarantee

Green Power handles everything from permits to installation and continues supporting systems with their full-time service department. They also guarantee a return on investment within 5 years thanks to financing that accounts for the 26% federal tax credit plus state incentives.

2. Momentum Solar: Custom Solar Since 2009

Installing almost 3,000 solar systems across Connecticut, Momentum Solar has the state completely covered.

In business since: 2009

Locations: Connecticut, New York, New Jersey

BBB rating: A+

While relatively newer than competitors, Momentum Solar punches above its weight providing best-in-class materials and components. As a long standing, accredited business, customer satisfaction remains paramount.

Offerings:

  • Complete solar energy systems
  • Panel upgrades & maintenance
  • Equipment repair

Warranties:

  • 25 years on solar panels
  • 10-12 years on inverters
  • Workmanship warranty

Momentum sets itself apart with customizable solar solutions meeting each household‘s preferences and energy demands. Their mobile app and online portal make system monitoring and tracking simple too.

3. SunPower: Let Silicon Valley Solar Upgrade Your Home

Boasting over 35 years of solar innovation and over 30,000 installations, SunPower earns its place as an industry leader.

Headquartered in high-tech mecca Silicon Valley, this solar pioneer invests heavily in next-gen panel and battery technology. The result? Some of the highest efficiency solar systems available today.

In business since: 1985

Locations: National, HQ in California

BBB rating: A+

SunPower handles everything from design to permitting and installation. Customers enjoy working with SunPower‘s solar consultants while contractors appreciate the company‘s premium equipment.

Offerings:

  • Complete solar power systems
  • Solar battery storage
  • EV chargers

Warranties:

  • 25 years comprehensive parts & labor
  • 92% peak performance guarantee

The company also operates a 24/7 monitoring platform accessible via web or mobile app. This allows SunPower system owners to track solar production, battery levels, and household energy use down to the hour.

4. Sunlight Solar Energy: 30+ Years of Solar Excellence

Founded in 1988, Sunlight Solar Energy specializes in residential installations plus RVs and electric vehicle charging.

In their 30+ years, Sunlight has become Connecticut‘s premier solar installer with over 4,000 projects spanning six states. Located in New Haven, CT, this local company assesses solar viability while clearly explaining costs, available incentives and financing options to prospective customers.

In business since: 1988

Locations: CT, NJ, NY

Installations: 4,000+

Sunlight Solar places quality craftsmanship and customer service at the heart of every project. Their expertise coupled with today‘s modern solar technology enables even more Connecticut homes to efficiently harness the power of the sun.

Offerings:

  • Complete residential solar systems
  • Custom RV solar solutions
  • EV charger installation & sales

Warranties:

  • 25 years on materials/workmanship
  • 10 years on parts

5. PurePoint Energy: Giving Back Through Solar

PurePoint Energy finds connectivity with nature and community at the core of their 12+ years in solar energy.

In business since: 2007

Locations: Connecticut, New York

PurePoint system owners enjoy guaranteed returns thanks to solar tax incentives plus drastically lower electric bills. The company gives back too, proudly supporting impactful local charities and sustainability focused organizations.

Offerings:

  • Home solar power
  • Commercial solar
  • Battery backup
  • EV charging

Warranties:

  • 25 years on solar panels
  • 12 years on inverters
  • 10 years on install

Going solar with PurePoint means joining a community working towards energy independence while caring for the planet and each other. Plus their custom solar installations increase home value by approximately 4.1% on average.

6. Palmetto Solar: Concierge-Style Customer Support

In 10+ years serving Connecticut homeowners, Palmetto Solar has provided end-to-end solar energy solutions with zero complaints filed against them. Now that‘s peace of mind!

Founded in 2010 in Charleston, SC, Palmetto today facilitates installs across 26 states while maintaining exceptional standards of quality and service.

In business since: 2010

Locations: National, HQ in South Carolina

BBB rating: A+

Customers benefit from Palmetto‘s concierge-style approach at every step while sophisticated monitoring provides system insights for added transparency.

Offerings:

  • Residential solar
  • Commercial solar
  • Solar maintenance

Warranties:

  • 25 years on panels
  • 12 years on inverters
  • 10 years on labor

Diagnostics:

  • $350 solar inspection
  • Remote monitoring
  • Performance analytics

Palmetto also offers robust protection plans and financing options to enhance ROI while simplifying the switch to solar.

Comparing Connecticut‘s Top Solar Companies

Company Locations Years in Business BBB Rating Warranty (Years) Offer EV Charging
Green Power Energy CT, MA, RI 14 A+ 25 Yes
Momentum Solar East Coast 13 A+ 25 No
SunPower National 35 A+ 25 Yes
Sunlight Solar CT, NY, NJ 30+ A 25 Yes
PurePoint Energy CT, NY 12 A 25 Yes
Palmetto Solar National 10 A+ 25 No

When it comes to key measures of credibility and reliability, these six solar companies score very similarly. Delving deeper, Green Power and Palmetto offer slightly longer equipment warranties while SunPower and Sunlight possess more overall experience.

Momentum, PurePoint and Palmetto have also uniquely robust service offerings in system monitoring, community engagement and customer support respectively.

Use this table detailing average pricing as another data point when selecting your contractor:

Company Avg. Cost per Watt 5 kW System 10 kW System
Green Power Energy $3.70 $18,500 $37,000
Momentum Solar $3.23 $16,150 $32,300
SunPower $3.43 $17,150 $34,300
Sunlight Solar $3.61 $18,050 $36,100
PurePoint Energy $3.32 $16,600 $33,200
Palmetto Solar $2.99 $14,950 $29,900

Pricing will vary based on factors like your roof size, panel efficiency ratings and financing options. While Palmetto Solar represents the most affordable solar installations, all six companies are competitively aligned.

Solar Adoption in Connecticut Continues Accelerating

Connecticut currently ranks 22nd nationally for solar adoption. However, the state has set ambitious ‘shared solar‘ targets requiring electricity suppliers to facilitate up to 300 MW of new community solar projects by 2024.

Shared solar allows those without suitable roofs to subscribe to a portion of a larger, local off-site system and receive bill credits. Along with existing residential incentives, shared solar will rapidly expand Connecticut‘s capacity to generate clean, renewable energy from the sun in coming years.

Fun facts on Connecticut solar power:

  • Over 21,800 solar installations across the state

  • Combined 270 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity

  • Powers 39,000+ homes

  • Added 113 MW of new capacity in 2021 alone

  • Saved $108 million for homeowners in 2021

  • Increased property values by over $67 million

  • Reduced CO2 emissions by 195,000+ metric tons annually

(Sourced from SEIA Solar State Facts and SolarReviews CT State Solar Profile 2023)

There‘s never been a better time to install solar in Connecticut! Reach out now to lock in savings for decades while claiming available federal tax credits before they decrease. Join the 21,000+ CT households already benefiting from solar energy.