New Haven Solar Incentives and Programs
United Illuminating customers pay some of the highest electric rates in the country. Here's how New Haven homeowners are fighting back with solar.
See Your SavingsWhy New Haven Is a Solar Hotspot in Connecticut
New Haven sits in United Illuminating territory, where all-in electricity rates hit 30–33 cents per kWh — among the highest in Connecticut and roughly double the national average. For homeowners in East Rock, Westville, and Wooster Square, that means monthly bills that would make anyone wince. Solar changes the math entirely.
Between the RRES program, a 15-year property tax exemption, Connecticut's sales tax exemption, the CT Green Bank Smart-E Loan, and the New Haven Community Solar program, there's never been a better time for Elm City homeowners to make the switch. Your United Illuminating bill doesn't have to keep climbing.
30–33¢
UI All-In Rate/kWh
$0
Upfront Cost
15yr
Property Tax Exemption
Federal Solar Savings for New Haven Homeowners
The residential 25D solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025, so New Haven homeowners can no longer claim a federal credit on their personal taxes. But the savings haven't vanished — they've simply shifted.
Solar lease and PPA providers still qualify for the Section 48 Investment Tax Credit as commercial entities, and they pass those savings directly to you through lower monthly payments. You get the financial benefit without filing a single extra tax form. The federal credit is built right into your solar plan — no paperwork, no refund to wait for.
Connecticut Incentives Available to New Haven Residents
New Haven homeowners have access to Connecticut's full suite of solar programs. The RRES program replaced traditional net metering in 2022 and gives you two options: the Netting Tariff lets you use solar on-site and export excess to United Illuminating's grid, while the Buy-All Tariff pays you $0.3289 per kWh for all production, locked in for 20 years.
The CT Green Bank Smart-E Loan offers low-interest financing up to $50,000 at 4.49–6.99% APR with 5–12 year terms through participating Connecticut lenders. Layer on the property tax exemption (up to 15 years — file Form M-44 with the New Haven assessor by November 1) and the 100% sales tax exemption on solar equipment using CERT-140, and the economics become hard to ignore.
New Haven Community Solar — Solar for Renters and Homeowners Alike
The New Haven Community Solar program gives residents who can't install rooftop panels — renters, condo owners, or those with shaded roofs near East Rock — a way to subscribe to a shared solar array and still receive credits on their United Illuminating bill.
How United Illuminating Solar Credits Work in New Haven
Traditional 1:1 net metering closed to new Connecticut customers in 2022. New Haven homeowners enrolling today join the RRES program instead. Under the Netting Tariff, your solar panels offset your United Illuminating usage first, and any excess goes to the grid. A Solar Energy Adjustment charge of $0.0402 per kWh applies to exported energy.
Given United Illuminating's all-in rates of 30–33 cents per kWh, even with the adjustment charge, the economics of the Netting Tariff are excellent for New Haven homes. Brownstones in Wooster Square and Colonials in Westville alike see dramatic reductions in their UI bills from day one.
New Haven-Specific Solar Benefits
New Haven Community Solar
Can't install rooftop panels? Subscribe to community solar and still get credits on your United Illuminating bill.
15-Year Property Tax Exemption
Solar adds value to your New Haven home without increasing your property tax bill. File Form M-44 by November 1.
RRES Netting Tariff
Use your solar on-site first, export excess to United Illuminating. A smarter replacement for traditional net metering.
CT Green Bank Smart-E Loan
Up to $50,000 at 4.49–6.99% APR through Connecticut lenders. Finance your system with a low monthly payment.
How New Haven Solar Incentives Stack Up
A typical New Haven home using about 8,500 kWh per year can go solar for $0 upfront through a lease or PPA. Federal Section 48 ITC savings are baked into the monthly payment, which runs roughly 40–50% less than a typical United Illuminating bill. The RRES Netting Tariff handles your excess production, and the property tax exemption shields your home's increased value.
Because United Illuminating rates are among the highest in Connecticut, New Haven homeowners tend to see faster payback and larger lifetime savings than their Eversource-territory neighbors. Over 25 years, the difference between staying on UI's standard service and going solar can easily exceed $50,000.
How It Works
Free Consultation
We assess your New Haven home, energy usage, and roof condition to design a solar system tailored to your property.
Custom System Design
Engineers create a panel layout optimized for your roof, accounting for New Haven's seasonal sun exposure and local building codes.
Permitting & Approvals
We handle all City of New Haven building permits, United Illuminating interconnection paperwork, and RRES enrollment.
Professional Installation
Certified installers mount your system — typically completed in one to two days, whether you're in an East Rock Colonial or a Wooster Square brownstone.
Inspection & Activation
After passing City of New Haven inspection and receiving United Illuminating permission to operate, your system goes live and starts saving you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
✶What solar incentives are available specifically in New Haven?+
✶Does United Illuminating still offer net metering for New Haven homes?+
✶Why are New Haven electricity rates so high?+
✶Can I claim the federal solar tax credit on my New Haven home?+
✶Is solar worth it near Yale or the New Haven Green?+
New Haven UI Bills Are Among the Highest in Connecticut
United Illuminating rates in New Haven hit 30–33 cents per kWh all-in — remember the 88–100% spike in January 2023? Lock in a lower rate today with solar.
See How Much You Can SaveWhat's Really on Your United Illuminating Bill?
60% of your bill is hidden fees and charges!
Delivery Charges
The "customer charge," "energy efficiency charge," and other fees that make up the bulk of your New Haven UI bill.
20%
of your bill
Distribution
Covers the poles, wires, and infrastructure delivering power to your New Haven home from the main line.
27%
of your bill
Transmission
What United Illuminating charges for transporting power from the supply source to local towers and lines serving New Haven.
13%
of your bill
Actual Supply
The electricity you actually use—just 40% of what you pay.
40%
of your bill
Solar Eliminates All These Charges
When you go solar, you no longer rely on the utility company to produce electricity—and no longer have to pay their ridiculous charges. Instead, you produce your own power with a low, locked-in solar rate.
Eliminate Your Electric Bill TodayIs Solar Really Free in New Haven?
While you can't technically get "free" solar panels, they are "free" in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.
You're swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing United Illuminating bill for a price-protected solar payment that is usually about 40–50% lower.
Need a New Roof? Bundle and Save.
Our Roof + Solar Bundle is ideal for New Haven's mix of Colonials, brownstones, and Victorian homes. Whether you're in East Rock or Westville, get a new roof and solar at the same time, saving money while ensuring your roof is ready for decades of solar production.
Learn About Roof + SolarReady to Go Solar in New Haven?
Get a free personalized quote and see how New Haven solar incentives can slash your United Illuminating bill. We handle everything from permits to UI interconnection.
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