
Roof + Solar Bundle in Connecticut:
Companies, Incentives & Savings (2026)
Connecticut homeowners pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation — and that makes solar one of the best financial decisions you can make. The RRES Program, property and sales tax exemptions, and Connecticut Green Bank financing combine to create strong economics even in a northern climate. This guide covers the state's top-rated companies, how every incentive works, what permitting looks like, and realistic savings estimates for CT homeowners.
Why Connecticut Has Among the Best Solar Economics in the Country
Connecticut doesn't get the solar press coverage that California or Texas does — but on a pure return-on-investment basis, the Constitution State is one of the most compelling solar markets in the United States. The reason is simple: electricity is expensive here. Connecticut homeowners routinely pay $0.27–$0.32 per kilowatt-hour through Eversource and United Illuminating — among the top five highest rates in the nation. Every kilowatt-hour your solar panels produce is worth more in Connecticut than in almost any other state.
Connecticut's housing stock amplifies this opportunity. Like its New England neighbors, the state has a high proportion of older homes — Federal Colonials, Cape Cods, Saltboxes, and Victorian-era houses across Hartford, New Haven, the shoreline towns, and the Farmington Valley. Many of these homes have roofs that are 15–25 years old, approaching or past the replacement window. Bundling a roof replacement with solar installation eliminates the expensive future scenario where you'd need to remove and reinstall solar panels when the roof eventually fails — and it opens up $0 down financing that makes both projects accessible without a large upfront commitment.
Connecticut's incentive structure is undergoing transition. Traditional net metering was replaced by the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) Program in 2022, which runs through 2027. The RRES program offers two options: a Netting Tariff that works similarly to net metering, and a Buy-All Tariff that pays $0.3289/kWh guaranteed for 20 years. The property and sales tax exemptions remain in place without expiration. And the Connecticut Green Bank's Smart-E Loan provides low-interest financing for homeowners who want to own their system outright.
We track 8 roof + solar bundle companies that serve Connecticut. Our rankings use the same 5-category methodology applied across all New England states — evaluating integration quality, roofing materials, solar equipment, reputation, and pricing.
Top Roof + Solar Companies in Connecticut
Ranked by overall score using our 5-category methodology. All companies below have been verified as operating in Connecticut.
Evergreen Solar
Editor's ChoicePioneered the "Roof + Solar Bundle" in New England — premium CertainTeed roofing via ShingleMaster PREMIER-certified Global Roofing, paired with a complete solar system in one streamlined project
Sunfinity Power & Roofing
Integrated roof + solar bundle with optional battery storage and mini splits — end-to-end project management by a single in-house team
Sunergy Solutions
Solar + roofing + gutters across 7 states — broadest coverage of any company reviewed, with 146 five-star SolarReviews and Enphase Platinum Installer status
Trinity Solar
Solar installation + roofing services — "go solar, replace a roof, or do both" — from the largest privately-owned residential solar installer in the US
New England Energy Experts
Solar + roof as "one seamless installation" — bilingual service with strong Spanish-language outreach
N.E. Building & Restoration
General contractor offering roofing, siding, and solar — solar is a secondary service
Evergreen Solar Corporation
Evergreen Solar is our Editor's Choice for Connecticut homeowners. They pioneered the roof + solar bundle concept in New England and bring unmatched bundle expertise to CT projects. Their American-made solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, and premium CertainTeed Landmark shingles — warrantied for 50 years — are the right choice for Connecticut's nor'easters and harsh winters. Their 4.9★ Google rating across 300+ reviews speaks to consistent execution.
For Connecticut homeowners navigating the RRES Program, Evergreen's expertise with both Eversource and UI interconnection processes is a meaningful advantage. They handle the complete process from RRES enrollment to utility paperwork — Connecticut's bureaucratic process doesn't have to be your problem.
Connecticut Solar Incentives (2026)
Connecticut's incentive landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years. Here's every program available to Connecticut homeowners in 2026 — and what each one means for your bottom line.
RRES Program (Residential Renewable Energy Solutions)
Two Tariff Options20-Year Rate LockConnecticut's replacement for net metering — two options with guaranteed 20-year rates
Connecticut replaced traditional net metering with the RRES Program starting January 1, 2022. Administered by Eversource and United Illuminating, the program offers two tariff options for solar homeowners — and you lock in whichever you choose for 20 years:
Solar energy offsets your usage in real-time at the retail rate. Excess production is credited to your bill. 2026 change: New Netting enrollments are subject to a $0.0402/kWh Solar Energy Adjustment charge on total production, listed as a line item on your bill.
All solar production goes to the grid at $0.3289/kWh (2026 rate), locked for 20 years. You buy all electricity from the utility. Can be favorable for high-production systems with lower household usage.
The RRES Program applies to systems up to 25 kW connected to Eversource or UI. Ask your installer to model both tariff options for your specific usage profile before making a decision. The program runs through December 31, 2027.
Source: portal.ct.gov/RRES · Last verified: February 2026
Property Tax Exemption
100% ExemptNo ExpirationFull property tax exemption on solar-added home value — permanently
Connecticut law provides a 100% property tax exemption on the value added to your home by a solar installation. Solar typically adds $15,000–$25,000 to a home's assessed value. Given Connecticut's high property tax rates — among the highest in the nation in many municipalities — this exemption is particularly valuable. A 25-year installation could represent $12,500–$25,000+ in cumulative property tax savings depending on your town's mill rate.
This exemption has no expiration date under Connecticut law, making it one of the most durable solar incentives in the state. Confirm with your local assessor that the exemption is applied after your system is installed — a brief follow-up call is worthwhile.
Source: Connecticut General Statutes § 12-81(56) · Last verified: February 2026
Sales Tax Exemption on Solar Equipment
6.35% SavedNo ExpirationNo 6.35% state sales tax on solar panels, inverters, and equipment
Connecticut provides a 100% sales and use tax exemption for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems. At Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax rate, exempting a $20,000–$25,000 solar equipment purchase saves $1,270–$1,588. The exemption applies to solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and related electrical components. This exemption also has no expiration date — unlike some state incentive programs that phase out.
Source: Connecticut General Statutes § 12-412(114) · Last verified: February 2026
Smart-E Loan (Connecticut Green Bank)
Low-Interest FinancingFor PurchasersLow-interest loans from the Connecticut Green Bank for solar and clean energy upgrades
The Smart-E Loan is a clean energy financing program administered by the Connecticut Green Bank for homeowners who want to purchase a solar system outright but prefer to spread payments over time. Rates are typically below conventional home improvement loan rates. The program covers solar, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and other clean energy improvements — making it particularly relevant for homeowners bundling a roof replacement with solar.
Smart-E Loans are available to most Connecticut homeowners in qualifying owner-occupied properties with four or fewer residential units. For homeowners who want to own their system and capture RRES Buy-All payments, the Smart-E Loan can provide a cost-effective path to ownership.
Source: ctgreenbank.com/smart-e-loan · Last verified: February 2026
Battery Storage Incentive (ESS Program)
$250–$600/kWhUp to $16,000Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) program rebate for battery systems paired with solar
Connecticut's ESS (Energy Storage Solutions) Program offers rebates for battery storage systems installed alongside solar. Standard rebates are $250/kWh of battery capacity, with enhanced rates of $450/kWh for underserved communities and $600/kWh for low-income households — up to a maximum of $16,000. For Connecticut homeowners considering a solar + battery bundle (popular for resilience during winter nor'easters and grid outages), this incentive meaningfully reduces the cost of adding storage.
Source: energizect.com · Last verified: February 2026
Federal ITC Update: Important Change for 2026
The homeowner-claimed federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was restructured by the "Big Beautiful Bill" (enacted July 4, 2025). As of 2026, direct homeowner purchase tax credits have ended. However, solar leases and PPAs continue to benefit from a 30% ITC through 2027 under Third-Party Ownership rules — meaning companies offering lease/PPA financing pass these savings through to you in lower monthly payments. Confirm current federal credit status with your installer and a tax professional.
Stacking Connecticut Incentives: What's Possible
A Connecticut homeowner who enrolls in the RRES Buy-All Tariff and purchases their system can combine: (1) $0.3289/kWh guaranteed for 20 years on all solar production, (2) 100% property tax exemption worth $12,500–$25,000+ over the system lifetime, (3) 6.35% sales tax savings of $1,270–$1,588 on equipment, (4) Smart-E Loan low-interest financing for ownership, and (5) ESS battery rebate of $250–$600/kWh if adding storage. Connecticut's high electricity rates further amplify each incentive's value.
Learn how the financial math worksConnecticut Utility Providers
Connecticut is served by two major investor-owned utilities that both administer the RRES Program. Knowing which utility serves your home matters for interconnection and RRES enrollment.
Eversource Connecticut (formerly Connecticut Light and Power)
Serves approximately 90% of Connecticut customers — Hartford, central CT, the shoreline, Fairfield County north, and most of the state
eversource.com/solar · Rebranded from Connecticut Light and Power to Eversource in 2015.
United Illuminating (UI) — Avangrid/Iberdrola
Serves southwestern Connecticut — New Haven, Bridgeport, Milford, West Haven, Derby, and the shoreline cities
uinet.com/solar-incentives · UI was acquired by Avangrid (Iberdrola subsidiary) in 2015.
Not sure which utility serves your home? Check your current electric bill — your utility name appears prominently on every statement. If you're near the New Haven, Bridgeport, or Milford area, you're likely United Illuminating. Most of the rest of Connecticut is served by Eversource.
Connecticut Solar Permitting
Connecticut solar permitting happens at the municipal level, with utility interconnection handled separately through Eversource or UI. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Building Permit
Required from your local municipality covering structural aspects of the solar installation and any roofing work. Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport typically process permits in 3–6 weeks. Smaller towns vary — some suburban communities in Fairfield County are quicker; more rural areas may take longer.
Electrical Permit
Required for the inverter, wiring, meter socket work, and utility interconnection components. Must be performed by a licensed Connecticut electrician. Typically processed alongside or within a few days of the building permit.
Utility Interconnection
Your installer files an interconnection application with Eversource or UI. Processing typically takes 6–10 weeks for residential systems. Your system cannot generate power (or receive RRES payments) until interconnection approval is granted and the utility installs a new meter.
RRES Program Enrollment
After interconnection approval, your installer files an RRES enrollment application with your utility selecting either the Netting or Buy-All tariff. This locks in your rate for 20 years. Enrollment timing matters — act promptly after interconnection to secure current year rates.
Licensing Requirements for Connecticut Solar Contractors
Connecticut solar installers must hold an active Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Electrical work requires a Connecticut Electrical Contractor license. Solar-specific certifications like NABCEP are not required by the state but are a strong quality signal when evaluating contractors.
Verify contractor registration at the Connecticut eLicense portal before hiring. Our top-rated companies are all properly licensed — but verify independently as a best practice.
Connecticut Solar Costs & Savings (2026)
What does a roof + solar bundle actually cost in Connecticut — and what can you realistically save given the state's high electricity rates?
Understanding the $0 Down Model in Connecticut
The most common approach for Connecticut homeowners is a lease or PPA (Power Purchase Agreement). Under these structures, you pay $0 upfront. Instead, you pay monthly for the solar energy your system produces — at a rate typically 30–50% below your current Eversource or UI bill. The roof replacement is bundled into the overall project financing.
The key question to ask: is your combined monthly payment (roof + solar) less than what you're currently paying for electricity? In Connecticut, with rates consistently above $0.27/kWh — some of the highest in the nation — the answer is typically yes for properly sized systems. See our guide on how "free roof" financing actually works for a detailed breakdown.
Why Connecticut's High Rates Are Your Advantage
Most homeowners think solar economics are primarily about sunshine. In Connecticut, the more important factor is electricity price. At $0.27–$0.32/kWh, every kilowatt-hour your panels produce is worth nearly three times what it would be worth in a state with $0.10/kWh electricity. A 10 kW system producing 11,000 kWh per year saves roughly $3,200–$3,500 annually in Connecticut — compared to $1,100 in a low-rate state.
Connecticut averages 4.1–4.3 peak sun hours per day — sufficient to generate meaningful output for most residential systems. New England winters reduce production December through February, but summer and shoulder-season production more than compensates over the year.
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Connecticut Cities We Cover
Looking for city-specific solar information? We have detailed local guides for Connecticut's major cities covering utility specifics, permitting timelines, local installer availability, and city-specific savings estimates.
Connecticut Solar FAQ
What replaced net metering in Connecticut?
Connecticut replaced traditional net metering with the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) Program on January 1, 2022. The RRES Program, administered by Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), offers two tariff options: the Netting Tariff (which works similarly to net metering but now includes a Solar Energy Adjustment charge in 2026) and the Buy-All Tariff, which pays $0.3289/kWh for all solar production sent to the grid. Both options lock your rate for 20 years. The RRES Program runs through December 31, 2027, after which new rules will apply. Learn more at energizect.com.
What is the Connecticut RRES Buy-All rate, and is it better than Netting?
The RRES Buy-All rate for 2026 is $0.3289 per kWh, locked for 20 years from enrollment. Under Buy-All, 100% of your solar production goes to the grid and you buy all electricity from the utility at retail rates. This can be favorable when your solar production significantly exceeds your usage, or when you want price certainty on your incentive rate. The Netting Tariff offsets usage in real-time like traditional net metering, but 2026 Netting enrollments include a $0.0402/kWh Solar Energy Adjustment charge on total production. Whether Buy-All or Netting is better depends on your specific usage patterns — ask your installer to model both scenarios.
Does Connecticut have a property tax exemption for solar?
Yes. Connecticut provides a 100% property tax exemption on the added home value from a solar installation. Solar typically increases assessed home value by $15,000–$25,000. Without this exemption, that could add $500–$1,000+ per year in property taxes depending on your municipality's mill rate. The Connecticut property tax exemption is permanent — it has no expiration date — making it one of the state's most durable solar incentives. Verify with your local assessor's office that they have the exemption on file after your system is installed.
Is solar equipment exempt from Connecticut sales tax?
Yes. Connecticut provides a 100% sales and use tax exemption on the purchase and installation of solar and geothermal energy systems. On a $20,000–$25,000 solar equipment purchase, that's $1,250–$1,563 in immediate savings at Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax rate. The exemption applies to solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and related electrical components. This exemption has no expiration date. Your installer should not be charging sales tax on the solar equipment portion of your project — if they are, request clarification.
What is the Connecticut Smart-E Loan?
The Smart-E Loan is a low-interest financing program from the Connecticut Green Bank designed for residential clean energy improvements including solar, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and more. Loan rates are typically lower than conventional home improvement financing, and the program is available to Connecticut homeowners with a variety of income levels. For homeowners who want to own their solar system outright (rather than lease) but prefer to spread payments over time, the Smart-E Loan is worth investigating. More information is available at ctgreenbank.com.
Can I get a $0 down roof + solar bundle in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut homeowners can get a complete roof replacement and solar installation with $0 out-of-pocket through lease and PPA financing. In these structures, you pay monthly for the solar energy your system produces — typically 25–45% less than your current Eversource or UI bill. The roof replacement is bundled into the overall project. See our guide on $0 down financing for a detailed breakdown of how the math works in Connecticut.
How much does a roof + solar bundle cost in Connecticut?
A combined roof replacement and solar installation in Connecticut typically ranges from $30,000–$65,000 depending on roof size, pitch, shingle quality, and desired solar output. Most homeowners opt for $0 down financing. Connecticut's electricity rates are among the highest in the nation — averaging $0.27–$0.32/kWh — which makes solar economics particularly compelling. Homeowners typically see 25–50% reductions in monthly energy costs with a properly sized system. Connecticut's RRES incentives and tax exemptions further improve the return on investment.
Which utility do I have — Eversource or United Illuminating?
Eversource Connecticut (formerly Connecticut Light and Power) serves approximately 90% of Connecticut customers across most of the state — including Hartford, central Connecticut, and the shoreline. United Illuminating (UI), now part of Avangrid/Iberdrola, serves southwestern Connecticut including New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford. Both utilities administer the RRES Program with the same tariff rates, so your incentive options are identical regardless of which utility you have. Confirm your utility by checking your current electric bill.
What permits are required for solar in Connecticut?
Connecticut solar installations require a building permit from your local municipality, an electrical permit, and a utility interconnection application with either Eversource or United Illuminating. Connecticut municipalities have varying permitting processes — major cities like Hartford and New Haven typically process permits in 3–6 weeks, while some smaller towns take longer. Most reputable installers handle all permitting. Additionally, RRES Program enrollment requires a separate application to your utility after interconnection approval.
Is Connecticut a good state for solar despite its northern climate?
Yes — Connecticut is one of the strongest states for solar ROI in the entire country, primarily because of extremely high electricity rates ($0.27–$0.32/kWh) rather than exceptional sunshine. Connecticut averages 4.1–4.3 peak sun hours per day, comparable to Rhode Island and slightly less than Massachusetts. But the state's electricity rates are among the top 5 highest in the nation, meaning every kilowatt-hour your panels produce is worth more in Connecticut than almost anywhere else. Combined with the RRES Program, property and sales tax exemptions, and Smart-E Loan options, Connecticut's solar economics are compelling for most homeowners.
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