Questions about your rebate?

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water (SHW) systems save you money on your energy bills by using energy from the sun to heat your water.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water (SHW) systems save you money on your energy bills by using energy from the sun to heat your water.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water (SHW) systems save you money on your energy bills by using energy from the sun to heat your water.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water (SHW) systems save you money on your energy bills by using energy from the sun to heat your water.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water (SHW) systems save you money on your energy bills by using energy from the sun to heat your water.

Benefits

Single Family, Multifamily, and Commercial Buildings

  • Save 10–15% on your energy bills each year
  • Meet up to 80% of your hot water needs just with solar energy
  • Help the environment by avoiding the production of almost 3.5 tons of carbon dioxide each year

 

(Source: ENERGY STAR®)

Solar Water Heater Incentives & Financing

Single-Family

 INCENTIVES

Federal tax credits may be available. Learn more about the IRA tax credits here or speak to your tax preparer.

 

 FINANCING

Smart-E Loan — A quick, easy, affordable option for owning your SHW system

 

Multifamily

 INCENTIVES

None currently available.

 

 FINANCING

Smart-E Loan — A quick, easy, affordable option for owning your SHW system

Commercial

 INCENTIVES

None currently available.

 

 FINANCING

None currently available.

Solar Hot Water Information and Tips

A solar hot water system harnesses energy from sunlight to provide hot water for your home or business. The energy is collected by two or three solar panels mounted on your roof and transferred to your home’s or business' hot water tank.

    In Connecticut, you’ll install a “closed-loop”, or “indirect,” solar heating system because it uses a non-freezing liquid to transfer heat from the sun. This type of system is important in a climate like Connecticut’s where there are freezing temperatures that could prevent other types of solar water heating systems from functioning.

    (Source: ENERGY STAR®)

    To achieve the best results with a solar water heating system, your roof should receive direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. year-round, face South within 30 degrees of due south (not magnetic south) and offer sturdy surfaces and shingles.

    (Source: ENERGY STAR)

    Before you install a solar water heating system on your roof, review your roof warranty, if you have one, to determine how installing a solar panel could affect it. Make sure your contract with your solar hot water contractor requires them to repair any potential leaks or damage to the roof caused by installation or operation.

    (Source: ENERGY STAR)

    How Solar Hot Water Works

    A solar hot water system uses sunlight to provide your home or business with hot water. Two or three solar collector panels are mounted on your roof, where sunlight heats an antifreeze solution circulating through them. The heat collected in the solution is then pumped to a heat exchanger where it’s transferred to your home’s or business' water tank. This hot water is used to meet up to 80 percent of your home’s or business' hot water needs. (Source: ENERGY STAR)

    Solar Hot Water Resources

    Find a local contractor to install your solar hot water system and learn more about solar water heating from ENERGY STAR.

    Also Explore ➞

    Home & Business Energy Assessments

    • Request an energy performance assessment of your home or business
    • Receive customized energy-saving recommendations
    • Get help implementing energy-saving measures from a technician or receive rebates and incentives to implement them yourself

     

    Learn About Our Assessments