Solar Electricity
Residential Solar Investment Program Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) systems are
now more affordable than ever for Connecticut residents. You can make
a smart investment and save money on your electric bills by adding
a proven, reliable, pollution-free technology to your home.
The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority now offers two
different incentive models to help customers.
The first model supports residential consumers
who seek to purchase a solar PV system.
The second model is a leasing model designed to allow consumers
access to solar PV systems with no or limited upfront costs.
Who is eligible?
- If your home is in the Connecticut Light & Power Company or the United Illuminating Company service territories and offers a good location for a solar system, you can qualify to receive CEFIA’s residential solar incentives.
What makes a good location for a solar system?- The best location for a solar power system is a south-facing roof. A system can also be installed on the ground of your property if a roof can not be used.
- A 35 to 50 degree roof tilt is optimal for year-round energy production.
- Clear access to the sun for most of the day unobstructed by trees, roof-gables, chimneys, buildings and other features of your home or surrounding landscape.
- Adequate space on your roof or property. A typical solar system averages approximately 100 square feet per kilowatt.
- A roof in good condition. If your roof is older and needs to be replaced in the very near future, you may want to replace it at the time the solar system is installed to avoid the cost of removing and re-installing your system.
Residential Solar Incentives
The Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB) incentive (i.e. rebate) is available to consumers who purchase a solar PV system. It provides a lump-sum payment (rebate) based upon major design characteristics of the system, such as panel type, installation tilt, shading, orientation and solar isolation (a measure of solar radiation energy on a given area).
The EPBB (i.e. rebate) model provides one level of incentives for the first 5 kilowatts (kW) and a lower level for the second 5 kW (or portion thereof). CEFIA does not provide incentives for any portion of a system that is greater than 10 kW.
Furthermore, there is a 5% bonus for projects that use major system components principally manufactured in Connecticut. An additional bonus is available if these components are principally manufactured in a Connecticut distressed municipality.
Program currently in Step 2
EPBB Incentive ≤5 kW ($/W) = $2.275
EPBB Incentive >5 kW and ≤10 kW ($/W) = $1.075
The Performance-Based Incentive (PBI) is a leasing model is designed to allow consumers access to solar PV systems for no or limited upfront costs. Under this model, a third party owns the system and enters into a contract with the site owner. The PBI is paid based on actual performance over the course of 6 years. The PBI model also provides an additional bonus for projects that use major system components principally manufactured in Connecticut.
Program currently in Step 2
PBI Incentive <10 kw = $0.300
Roof Mount Systems Ground Mount Systems
Pole Mount Systems
Tracking Systems
Battery Back-up Systems
CEFIA Rebates
Tax Credit
