(WFSB) - If it seems like there are too many solar panels installed in Connecticut, that's because there is.
Eversource says they will have a record 16,000 home solar installations in 2023. More than 5% of Eversource customers now have solar. This represents an increase of just 0.5% compared to 2014.
The chart above shows how the percentage of Eversource solar customers has grown since 2014.
However, solar panels are not for everyone.
Between 2022 and 2023, the number of complaints filed with the Connecticut Attorney General's Office against solar companies tripled. In 2023 there were 189 complaints. This is an increase from 60 complaints in 2022 and only 29 in 2021.
Common complaints include problems with the sales process, setup and billing.
Joe Grabertz of New Britain does not claim credit for his solar panels. Even on cloudy days, he is grateful that he put up the signs eight years ago.
“As a single person, it allows me to own a home while keeping my utility costs down. It's unbelievable," Grabarz said.
Graberz has signs of being about 8 years old. He says they produce enough energy to cover his entire electric bill each month. The connection fee is approximately $10 per month.
“I save hundreds of dollars a month this way,” Grabertz said.
Eversource does not sell or install solar panels, but is involved in the process of connecting solar panels to the grid.
Even with solar, customers still receive a bill from Eversource every month that shows electricity usage and connection fees.
Andrew Belden is vice president of solar programs at Eversource Energy.
"We approve the project before construction. The customer will go to work with their installer to fabricate and install the roof," says Belden. And at this point you can start the system and run it.
Since Eversource approves solar projects, they know that the average installation cost is between $20,000 and $30,000. Prices vary depending on your energy needs.
There are 3 different ways to finance a project.
- Cash: When you buy your panels entirely with cash, you can take ownership of your system right away.
- Get a loan: You have panels, but you will have monthly loan payments.
- Rent: With rent, you usually pay nothing for installation. However, you are not the owner of the panel and must pay the owner monthly.
Alex Giles is the owner of Venture Solar. He explains how the lease works.
"They pay monthly for the electricity they generate, rather than paying for electricity from Eversource, UI or the utility," Giles said.
Consumers should consider the federal solar tax credit when deciding which payment option is best. You can get 30% of the installation cost when you file your taxes, but you have to own the system. If you choose rental option, you are not eligible for tax credit. However, there are benefits in Connecticut that you may qualify for.
“Connecticut has another incentive called the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program that allows you to sell your energy back to the grid at the rate we pay for electricity,” Belden said. "We also offer additional incentives to income-eligible clients or clients in the environmental justice community."
All factors considered, how much you can save each month depends on your situation. Belden says to be wary of companies offering unbelievable savings.
"One of the things we often hear is that installers estimate solar energy savings of $100,000 to $200,000. "That's not a very reliable estimate," Belden said.
Grabertz buys his panels outright, so there are no monthly payments. He took advantage of the federal tax credit.
For him, however, the decision was not just a matter of dollars and cents.
"I feel like it not only helps me and my wallet, but I'm contributing to the community I'm a part of to make it better," Graberz said.
Eversource has many resources to help you determine if your home is a good candidate for solar based on your location and monthly bills.
Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.
