05 Jun What does Residential Solar energy mean for Connecticut?
Connecticut has been a leader in solar energy adoption, and one of the primary reasons for this is the variety of solar incentives available in the state. Incentives like net metering, state tax credits, and renewable energy credits (RECs) make it easier and more cost-effective for residents and businesses to switch to solar power. The following will explain the solar incentives available in Connecticut.
Net Metering
Net metering is a policy that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid. Connecticut has one of the most favorable net metering policies in the country, with the ability to carry forward excess credits for up to a year. This means that even if a solar panel owner generates more energy than they consume in a month, they can still use those credits to offset future energy bills.
State Tax Credits
Connecticut offers a state tax credit of up to $5,000 for residents who install solar panels on their homes. This credit is equal to 20% of the total cost of the system, up to a maximum of $5,000. This credit can be applied to the homeowner’s state income tax liability over five years, starting from the year the system was installed. Business owners can also receive a tax credit of up to $500,000 for installing solar panels on their properties.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
A renewable energy credit (REC) is a certificate that represents the environmental benefits of producing one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from a renewable source. Connecticut has a mandatory renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which requires utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, such as solar power. To meet this requirement, utilities can either produce their own renewable energy or purchase RECs from solar panel owners.
Connecticut’s REC market is one of the most lucrative in the country, with RECs selling for as much as $45 per MWh. This means that a solar panel owner can earn a significant amount of money by selling their RECs to utilities.
In conclusion, Connecticut’s solar incentives make it an attractive state for residents and businesses looking to switch to solar power. The combination of net metering, state tax credits, and RECs makes solar power more affordable and financially beneficial. These incentives not only encourage the use of solar power but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.