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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of New Haven. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in New Haven, Connecticut requires you to select a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in New Haven to help you hire the perfect installer.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in New Haven or select a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables New Haven homeowners to save $1,300 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all offer the same services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Vet New Haven solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of frequent bad reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like New Haven, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you select any extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in New Haven typically costs $11,885.
Installing solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
In New Haven, you can expect to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in New Haven can be eligible for several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Connecticut residents, and others differ by your utility company, municipality and city.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to Connecticut residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | Varies (local option) |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | 100% of value added by renewable system |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems | 100% exemption |
Rebate Program Residential Solar Investment Program | Customer-owned (EPBB): Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W 10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%. Third-Party-Owned (PBI): Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years Minimum Design Factor 60% |
Green Building Incentive Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions | See Website |
Loan Program Smart-E loans | See Website |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products | 100% exemption |
Loan Program Energy Conservation Loan | Single family homes (1-4 family units): $25,000 Landlord Loan: $40,000 |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff | $98.18 per ZREC (for Year 6 round of solicitation) |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff | $100.74 per REC (for Year 7 round of solicitation)Tariff for Small ZREC determined through PURA |
Loan Program Energy Efficiency Fund (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Financing | $25,000 |
Rebate Program (Electric and Gas) Residential Rebate Program | Ductless Heat Pump: $500 Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price Central A/C: $200 Air Source Heat Pumps: $500 Heat Pump Water Heater: $750 Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500 High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program | Locally determined |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
A lot of solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Adding battery storage may increase the overall expense.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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