Study: Connecticut is a Top 10 Solar State

With the second-highest electricity rates in the country, going solar is a great way to offset costly utility bills and see a good return on investment.  Which may explain why a newly released ranking of the best states for solar places Connecticut in the top 10.

While there are no up-front rebates or other significant incentives, the survey analysts point out, Connecticut offers a great net metering replacement known as the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program. Through this, residents see tremendous financial returns when installing solar panels.

Solar experts at SolarReviews evaluated each U.S. state based on the financial viability of going solar for upfront costs and long-term savings based on ten key factors. The evaluation factors can be divided into three categories: Policy, Incentives, and Outcomes.

The study, by SolarReviews, uses a methodology that evaluates factors that lead to increases in residential solar rather than large utility-scale installations. The top 10 states for home solar are:  Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington D.C., Maryland, New York, Minnesota, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Illinois, and Connecticut.

“The states recognized in our Top 10 rankings are excellent examples of using government policy to produce good outcomes for ordinary homeowners. By encouraging private investment in solar, these states will reap the benefits of improved environmental quality and increased energy self-reliance for generations to come,” said Andy Sendy, President of SolarReviews.

SolarReviews has been the leading American consumer reviews website for reviews and ratings of residential solar panels and solar panel installation companies since 2012. It has also grown to become the leading consumer education website for homeowners considering installing solar panels on their rooftop and to offer consumers solar price comparison functionality, according to SolarReviews.

The report pointed out that “encouraging private investment in renewable energy helps to meet society’s goals of  decarbonizing the country while maintaining  economic growth. By enacting forward-thinking  policy and putting appropriate financial  incentives in place, a state can signal that it is  committed to supporting private investment in  solar now and for the long term.”