FAQ — Litchfield Hills Solar

Question 1

What is "PV"?

Accepted Answer

PV is short for Photovoltaic, the process of transforming sunlight into electricity. A PV system, also called a solar electric system, is an array of modules that use the sun's energy to power your home. Since shading and orientation dramatically affect a module's electrical production, the array location must be carefully selected. Litchfield Hills Solar can evaluate your home's PV potential based on the relevant criteria to ensure optimum cost-effectiveness balanced with aesthetic considerations.

Question 2

Does Connecticut have a Virtual Power Plant with battery-specific incentives?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut's Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program allows homeowners with battery storage systems to earn additional compensation by making a portion of their battery capacity available to the grid during periods of high demand. When the grid needs relief — typically on hot summer afternoons — the utility can briefly draw on enrolled batteries, and participating homeowners receive a direct payment in return. The program is coordinated through Eversource and United Illuminating and works alongside Connecticut's Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) incentive program. Pairing a solar PV system with a qualifying battery and enrolling in the VPP can meaningfully improve the financial return on your storage investment while supporting a cleaner, more resilient grid for all Connecticut residents.

Question 3

What is a good solar site?

Accepted Answer

A good roof for solar would be unshaded, have a typical slope and face south. The roof should be in good repair and relatively new, as our modules have a performance warranty of 30 years. Depending upon system size, you might need between 300 and 800 square feet of unobstructed roof area (clear of dormers, chimneys, etc.). If a roof mount is not practical, a ground mount at some sunny spot in the yard might be an option. Ground mounts require a structure to mount the modules on, as well as a buried conduit for connecting the array to the home.

Question 4

Can I install more modules and sell the electricity back to Eversource?

Accepted Answer

Eversource does not permit homeowners to install solar PV systems that generate substantially more than the property's historical electrical usage. It's true that when the system is producing more electricity than your home is consuming, the excess will be available to the grid for credit at full retail rates, but they can only be applied to your electric bill (not redeemed for cash). Therefore, a PV system is ideally sized to match a home's expected future annual usage.

Question 5

Are there other benefits?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the pleasure of using and producing clean renewable energy, components and installation of solar PV systems are exempt from state sales tax, and the resulting increase in home value is exempt from property taxes in Connecticut.

Question 6

What is my next step?

Accepted Answer

Submit the questionnaire on the Getting Started page. You'll need to supply basic information such as your average monthly electrical usage and property location. A Litchfield Hills Solar representative will then contact you to confirm details, and as appropriate, provide a preliminary proposal. If acceptable, we will schedule a site visit, and prepare a contract for your review and signature. Litchfield Hills Solar installations are turnkey — we submit all paperwork with the town and the utility company, secure required permits, and handle the necessary inspections.

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