Connecticut Solar Energy Incentives for Commercial Systems
In recent years, Connecticut has rolled out a number of programs aimed at promoting the adoption of solar energy -- and other forms of renewable power. Of particular note is the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), the state's flagship initiative that has funded more than $100 million in projects since the fund's founding in 2000.
Businesses operating in Connecticut that are interested in installing a solar energy system should be aware of the following incentives available at the state level. Be sure to also review our summary of federal incentives for commercial solar energy systems, which include accelerated depreciation rules and a 30-percent renewable energy tax credit.**
When you're ready to move forward with your project, you may wish to fill out our solar energy information form. It's free and requires just a few minutes to complete. After learning about your company's electricity needs, we'll work with our solar installation partners serving Connecticut to get you a free site visit and competitive quotes. We're here to provide quality service and to make sure you get a great price on your solar energy system.
**For solar commercial systems installed in 2009 and 2010, businesses may -- instead of taking the federal tax credit -- receive a solar energy grant equal to 30 percent of installed system costs. The grant option has been made possible by the federal stimulus package that was passed in February 2009.
Are you a Connecticut homeowner? See our CT residential solar incentive page.
CT Solar Rebates
CCEF Solar Thermal Incentive Program
Eligible: Solar Thermal (solar hot water) systems
Amount: Residential and commercial: $500/MMBtu (predicted output) for October through March
Not-for-profit (and governmental): $900/MMBtu (predicted output) for October through March. Maximum incentive is $3,600 for 3-4 person household, $2,400 for 1-2 person household, and $50,000 for commercial systems.
Tax-Based Incentives
100% Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Eligible: Residential PV, solar water heating systems, passive space heating, geothermal systems
Amount: 100% exemption from property tax on renewable energy systems. Investing in renewable energy will not increase your tax liability.
100% Sales Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Eligible: Residential PV, solar water heating systems, geothermal systems, other distributed generation systems
Amount: 100% exemption from sales tax for the purchase of renewable energy systems.
CT Energy Efficiency Rebates
Taking steps to improve your home's energy efficiency -- in other words, to reduce the amount of electricity you consume -- can dramatically improve the performance of your solar energy system. So if you're thinking about installing solar PV panels, you may want to consider replacing conventional light bulbs with LEDs, for example, or buying energy-efficient appliances. The best part: number of utility- and state-sponsored energy efficiency rebate programs are available to help reduce these costs. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website for full details.
Net Metering
Connecticut requires that the state's two main investor-owned utilities (IOUs) -- CL&P and UI -- provide net-metering to all customers that generate electricity using "Class I" renewable-energy systems -- like solar PV systems. This means that any net excess generation from your firm's PV system would be credited to the firm's monthly electricity bill at the utility's avoided-cost rate at the end of a 12-month billing cycle.
[Last updated: 7/2/10] Connecticut: Commercial Solar Incentives |
