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CT Solar Tax Credit | Solar Installation | Premier Improvements Solar

Updated: Aug 12, 2022



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For CT Solar Systems that were installed between 2022 and 2023, there is a 26% tax credit and a 22% credit for systems that were installed between 2023 and 2023. The solar tax credit for residential solar systems will end in 2024, and possibly beyond, unless it is extended. The credit for commercial solar systems will be reduced to 10% by 2024.


Let's see how you can apply the solar tax credit, and if it is something that you could benefit from.



What is a Federal Tax Credit?

Tax credits are a reduction of income taxes due to the federal government and Internal Revenue Service. A $4,500 tax credit can lower your income tax liability by 4,500 dollars. If you don't have any tax liability, however, the tax credit is of no value.


A tax write-off, or deduction, lowers your total tax liability, which is why it's different from a credit. The value of a write-off is dependent on your tax rate, unlike a tax credit. Tax credits are worth more than a tax writing-off of the same amount. A $4,500 credit is far more valuable than a $4,000.


The Federal government offers a tax credit for solar panels, both residential and commercial. The tax credit is available only to the owner of the system. It doesn't apply to systems that are leased or entered into power purchase agreements (PPA).


You must have the system installed on your primary or second residence (for residential applications). Renters are unfortunately not eligible. The equipment, inverter and solar panels must all be brand new. Don't use solar equipment that has been used to get the tax credit.


The solar tax credit can be used to offset 26% of the total system costs in 2022. This includes the solar panels and inverter. Permitting and labor costs are also included. The tax credit is worth 22% if the solar system was installed by 2023.


The federal tax credits for residential solar systems will expire in 2024 if they are not extended.



How do I apply the Federal Tax Credit?

Talk to a tax professional to understand your situation and ensure that you are eligible for the credit.

If you are eligible and install a solar system by 2022, the tax credit can be applied to your 2022 federal taxes. When you file your taxes, you will need to fill out IRS Form 5695. You won't immediately see any savings because you apply the credit to your tax return. It is not a cash rebate.


Moreover, certain states offer state solar tax credits which can be used when you file your state income taxes. For more information about local solar incentives programs, including exemptions from state property taxes and rebates for utilities, refer to the DIRE USA database of the NC Clean Energy Technology Center.


Are there other incentives for installing Solar Panels?

You may qualify for tax exemptions and utility company programs depending on your location.


Exemptions from the Solar Property Tax

Studies have shown that solar-powered homes sell for more. Because solar-powered homes are more affordable, your home will be worth more. Solar homes can be exempted from property taxes in many states.


In other words: Installing solar panels will not cause your property taxes in Arizona, Colorado and Connecticut to rise.


Net Metering

Net metering is a way to get credit on your electricity bill for excess power that you supply to the grid. You can then use your credits to offset the excess electricity you consume, such as on cloudy days or at night. This arrangement is required by many states that have net metering laws.


Solar Sales Tax Exemption

A tax on consumer purchases is often imposed by many states, ranging from 2.9% up to 9.5%. There are currently 25 states offering a solar energy sales tax exemption. These include Arizona, Florida and Maryland, Massachusetts. New Mexico, New York, New Mexico and New Mexico. This exemption covers the installation, cost of the inverter, solar panels and battery bank.


It's important to learn about all available solar incentives before installing solar panels. Local solar policies may offer lower upfront costs or greater savings on your utility bills.


It can be daunting to install your own solar power system, especially if you are tight on cash. It is a large investment to add one to your home. On average, panels cost around $16,000.

Home solar power systems could save you significant money over the long-term. There are many tax credits and rebates available to encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy. Installing a qualifying system can earn you money back at the local, state, and federal levels.

Solar Energy can Power your Home

SunPower offers a trusted network of installers to meet your solar system, solar panels, and electricity needs. Ready to go Solar? Click here or Call 860-969-4006 to be Connected with an Expert Today

What is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

You can get a federal tax credit for installing solar panels. This means that you will get a credit on your income taxes which actually lowers your tax bill.

In 2006, the federal government created the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The U.S.'s solar industry has experienced a more than 10,000% growth in the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of 50% over the past 10 years. This industry has helped create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and invested billions in the U.S. Economy.

The ITC is available for the tax year that you have installed your solar panels, as long as it generates electricity for a residence in the United States.

The ITC will offer a 26% tax credit to systems that were installed between 2020-2022 and 22% for those installed in 2023. When deciding whether to install solar panels or not, consider a 22%-26% discount.

Eligibility for the Solar Tax Credit

The ITC is available to anyone whose solar system was not used before January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2023. The ITC expires 2024 unless Congress renews it.

Additional requirements include:

  • You must purchase the system (not lease)

  • The system must be found in the United States

  • The system must be installed at your primary or second U.S. home or in a community solar project.

State Solar Incentives

Numerous states and Puerto Rico offer solar incentives, in addition to the federal ITC. These incentives encourage homeowners to go solar. Although each state offers different incentives, there are some common ones: rebates, tax credits and renewable energy certificates. California, Texas and Minnesota are among the states with high numbers of solar incentives.

Each state offers its own set of incentives, which can vary greatly. There are many solar financial incentives offered by different agencies. Talk to your installer or consult the Database of State Incentive for Renewables and Efficiency for more information.



State Tax Credits

The state tax credit works in the same manner as the federal ITC, but it is for your state taxes. The exact amount varies from one state to the next, but they don't usually reduce your federal tax credits.

Rebates for State Governments

Some states offer upfront rebates to help you install a solar power plant. These rebates are usually only available while funds are available and are not available forever. You can cut your solar costs by 10%-20% with a rebate from the state government.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificate

Another type of state-level incentive for solar energy is the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC), also known as a Solar Renewable Energy Credit. Once you have installed your solar power system, and registered it with the appropriate state authorities. They will keep track of your system's energy production and offer you SRECs periodically as a benefit. To receive taxable income, you can sell your SRECs to your local utility or another buyer.



Other Incentives

Local Utility Rebates

Many local utilities offer financial incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in solar power systems. Some utilities offer rebates on energy bills depending on the amount of energy produced, while others offer subsidies for one-time installation.

PBIS (performance-based incentives) are incentives that pay per kilowatt-hour credit for the power your system produces.

Subsidized Loans

You may be eligible for subsidized loans from your state, local utility or other non-governmental organization to finance the purchase and financing of your solar panel system. Talk to an installer about subsidized loans before you buy your system. They're likely familiar with every local solar program.

Exemptions from Tax

You may also be eligible for tax credits after installing a solar system. These systems can increase the value of your property, but some states or municipalities won't include them in their assessment of property taxes. This means that your property tax bill won't go up due to solar installation.

Other states have programs that exempt all solar power system component purchases from state sales tax. This could help you save hundreds of dollars on your installation.

Bottom Line

These tax credits can be combined with other financial incentives to save money on solar power system installations. Although it is expensive to install one, these programs can significantly reduce the overall cost of the system.


At Premier Improvements Solar, We can handle all of your needs from the Design, Permitting, Installation & Inspection of both Residential and Commercial properties. With Solar Tax Credits still available it's a perfect time to start moving forward to your financial freedom from the Utilities. Servicing All the Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island we are always here to help you and answer any Questions you may have. Give us a Call @ (860)901-7619 or visit our website @ PremierImprovementsOne.com for additional info.


Are you thinking about making the leap into solar energy? To learn more about the process, check out our Website.



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