Connecticut General Statutes § 12-81(57) exempts residential solar energy systems from property tax assessment for 15 years. In Connecticut — where property taxes are among the highest in the nation — this exemption is a meaningful part of the solar financial case.
How the CT property tax exemption works:
- Solar panels that add to your home's assessed value are excluded from the assessment for 15 years from the date of installation
- A $30,000 solar system might add $15,000–$25,000 in appraised value — at CT's average effective property tax rate of 1.5–2.5%, that could otherwise add $225–$625/year to your tax bill
- In Fairfield County towns where effective property tax rates can reach 1.5–2.0% and home values are very high, the 15-year exemption adds $3,375–$9,375+ in cumulative tax savings
- The exemption is automatic under state law — you do not need to apply separately in most CT municipalities
- Some towns may require filing a form with the assessor's office — your installer should advise on local practice
This exemption stacks with the federal 30% ITC, CT RSIP incentive, net metering, sales tax exemption, and CT Green Bank financing — making Connecticut's full solar incentive package one of the strongest in the Northeast.