Connecticut is one of the fastest growing of the smaller states in the solar industry. Solar production has doubled over the last year and is primed for strong growth in 2013. The state recently launched the Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to offer property assessed clean energy financing and program services to municipalities and commercial property owners throughout Connecticut. This unique program will serve as a model for other states to follow.

Facts on the Connecticut Solar Industry

• There are currently more than 85 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Connecticut, employing 680.
• Connecticut ranked 18th nationally in Q4 solar installations. See more solar state rankings.
• In 2012, Connecticut ranked 21^st nationally in solar capacity installed.
• Connecticut ranks 20th nationally in cumulative installed solar capacity.  There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 5,000 homes.
• In 2012, $56 million was invested in Connecticut to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 104% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year.
• Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Connecticut continue to fall--by 6% from last year. National prices have also dropped steadily--by 14% from last year and 31% since 2010.  

View more solar industry data.

Notable Solar Installations in Connecticut

• Several large retailers in Connecticut have installed sizeable solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their retail centers.  Kohl’s Department stores has over 800 kW of solar PV capacity spread over three locations in Manchester, Orange and Rocky Hill. 
• IKEA recently installed a 900 kW system on their store in New Haven.
• Whole Foods Market has installed three systems with a capacity of nearly 350 kW on their store locations in Cheshire and West Hartford. 
• Staples and Walgreen Co. have also added large solar systems to buildings in the state.  The retailers combine to provide over 2.5 MW of solar electric capacity in Connecticut.

See our solar installations maps. 

Solar Companies in Connecticut

There are currently more than 85 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Connecticut.  These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels.  These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 24 manufacturers, 11 manufacturing facilities, 27 contractor/installers, 5 project developers, 4 distributors and 25 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.

Connecticut State Solar Policy Resources

Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority - Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Connecticut public utilities

Connecticut General Assembly - Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Connecticut

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund: Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) - As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale up clean energy deployment in Connecticut.

DSIRE Incentives DataBase Connecticut - Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Connecticut  and across the United States

US Energy Information Administration- Connecticut State Profile - Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government