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5 Best Solar Companies in Vermont

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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros

Last Updated February 2024

Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Vermont

SunCommon

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442 US-2, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676 (802) 882-8170 suncommon.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Residential panels
Tesla powerwall
Battery storage
Community solar projects

Solaflect Energy

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326 Main St #4, Norwich, VT 05055 (802) 649-3700 solaflect.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Battery storage
Residential panels
Financing assistance

HB Energy Solutions

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132 Bridge St, Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-2300 hbenergy.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Maintenance
Emergency services
Residential panels

Green Mountain Solar

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76 Ethan Allen Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 369-9149 greenmtnsolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Residential panels
Commercial panels
Financing assistance

Building Energy

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1570 S Brownell Rd, Williston, VT 05495 (802) 859-3384 buildingenergyvt.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Residential panels
Commercial panels
Energy efficiency audit
Maintenance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

These 5 residential solar companies embody the highest level of professional achievement and responsibility in Vermont. You can trust they'll provide you with honest opinions, reasonable prices, and safe, quality workmanship. We're proud to be trusted by homeowners nationwide as a reputable source for home improvement advice and local contractor recommendations. Learn more about our methodology here.

Annual Solar Facts For Vermont

Average Max Temp:

49°F

Average Min Temp:

36°F

Average Daily Sunlight:

48%

Average CO2 Savings Per 5kW System:

36lbs CO2e/yr

Average Monthly Precipitation:

3.79"

Average Solar Savings Per 5kW System:

$1,200/yr

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

Today's solar energy systems can accommodate a variety of roof shapes, budgets and energy needs. Many of the providers on our list are experts in all three of the fundamental types of solar panels, and they'll help you find the right fit during the estimate process.

Monocrystalline

In the very hot summers of Vermont, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell uses only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate additional energy with a small array. They're the costliest of the three kinds because of their more elaborate manufacturing process, but you'll ultimately save more due to their higher performance under pressure.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels have dark blue cells made of multiple silicon fragments. Aside from their lower average cost, they have a less wasteful manufacturing process.

Even though you can build a high-capacity system with polycrystalline panels, it'll have a greater physical footprint when compared to a monocrystalline array at the same capacity.

Thin-film

Thin-film arrays are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of Vermont. They keep their efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes. Thin-film solar panels use various metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners select them for their lower weight or ability to fit on non-rectangular roofs. Others select them for their superior heat resistance and low-light performance.

Although some thin-film panels are approximately as efficient as polycrystalline panels, other models are far less efficient or have very short lifespans.

Solar Purchase Options

While certain terms may vary based on your contractor and panel model, you might be able to take advantage of these financing tools to keep solar power as affordable as possible:

  • Solar leases: You can completely avoid down payments or upfront costs with a solar lease. Instead, you'll pay based on what the company expects your panels will generate. Leases will frequently include the cost of repairs and scheduled maintenance. If your panels don't reach their projected generation in a certain month, you could receive a partial reimbursement. While leases may have an attractive price tag, a lessee can't take advantage of rebates, tax incentives, or other state programs since the leasing company retains ownership of the panels.
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs): If you enter a PPA, instead of paying the cost of the panels upfront, you'll pay your installer an agreed amount for the power you generate. Each payment will often be less than what you would pay your utility for the same amount of power. However, PPAs can be lengthy commitments, with some lasting 25 years. You may be subject to penalty fees if you move out of your home or terminate of the contract.
  • Solar financing: If you'd like to get the fastest ROI, get the tax breaks you deserve, and take advantage of local incentives, consider a solar loan. New lenders that specialize in home energy projects have emerged in the banking sector, and you could get rid of a down payment or interest with a good lender. While taking out a solar loan will increase your upfront costs, you'll have improved long-term savings.
Besides the price of the panels themselves, your bill will also include the cost of your solar company's labor and preliminary work done by other contractors. An application fee may be required if you're preparing for net metering.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

Going solar is a large investment, and utility companies and state governments frequently offer financial incentives to help cover costs and welcome you into the clean, decentralized energy world. Some of the most common kinds of programs include:

  • Tax credits: Tax credits or temporary exemptions for new solar equipment are common in many U.S. jurisdictions. Consult with your tax preparer for more specific information on what is available and the forms you need to file. No matter what, you should file Form 5695 on your federal returns to apply for a 30% credit on the value of your solar panels.
  • Rebates: Rebates are direct incentives from power companies or manufacturers. The application process for a rebate will vary from program to program, but generally, your contractor will have to submit plans or receipts and prove that they're have the right endorsements to work on your project. Sometimes, the contractor will receive the payment and give you a discount on their work. With other programs, you'll receive the money as a direct payment or a credit on your power bill.
  • Net metering: While some states mandate net metering, others allow utility companies to voluntarily participate to boost their renewable capacity and add an additional layer of energy security. Once you sign up for net metering, you'll send the solar power you don't use to the local grid. In exchange, your utility will credit you at a retail or avoided-cost rate.
  • Net billing: There's a national trend toward more utilities retiring net metering in favor of net billing schemes. Fundamentally speaking, both systems function the same way. However, with net billing, you sell the power to your utility company instead of earning credits for your excess solar generation. Compensation will usually be at a wholesale or avoided-cost rate, which is lower than retail.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in Vermont

Solar energy continues to grow throughout Vermont, and with the right professional team, it's easy to adopt it for your home. Take a look at some of these impressive state statistics:

  • A five-kilowatt solar energy system in Vermont has an average payback period of 9.3 years. However, a system at that capacity would also save you $1,230.15 on your energy bill.
  • In Vermont, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 11.2 kW and costs $31,886.
  • Solar energy has enabled the creation of 1,186 jobs in Vermont, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
  • Vermont generates 43 MW of residential solar energy, serving 54,911 homes and growing.
  • Without solar, the average family spends about $1,425 every year on their electricity bill.

Useful Resources

Want to learn more about solar energy in your area? Take a look at these pages and resources:

  • DSIRE: You can use DSIRE to track solar incentive programs in your area, including public policies in your state, solar thermal rebates, solar photovoltaic incentives, and net metering or billing programs.
  • PVWatts: PVWatts is a handy online tool that lets you virtually tinker with different solar systems on your home. You can get high-quality predictions of how much energy your panels could yield and see which angles and locations would give you the best ROI.
  • Best solar companies by city: If you're looking for tailored solar company recommendations in your area, Today's Homeowner has just what you need. We can recommend you the best companies in cities like BURLINGTON,VT.

Vermont Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.vermont.gov

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.vermont.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% statewide education property tax exemption for systems up to 50 kW
Uniform $4.00/kilowatt property tax payment for systems 50 kW and greater

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Vermont

If you're still working to improve your home's solar viability or you want to install fewer panels, a solar water heating system might be the best starting point. However, if you have the budget and space for a photovoltaic system that can power your entire home, you'll have the best possible versatility and value.

Solar energy is more efficient and flexible than other types of renewable energy. You can utilize solar power for any appliance or fixture in your home or transfer it to the grid for more savings.

In today's market, homeowners can choose from three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, with a conversion rate of approximately 22%. Polycrystalline panels convert around 17%, and thin-film panels convert only around 15%.

There are a few key questions to ask and topics to research for every contractor on your shortlist. Make sure that the company is licensed and insured according to Vermont regulations. Also, ensure that the company is registered with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau, and that it has a good reputation and sufficient experience installing solar systems like the one you want.

The most ideal time of year to install solar panels is in the fall or spring when the temperature is still pretty cool. This way, your new system will perform more efficiently, and you'll save the most money possible during the winter or summer months when energy use trends higher.

To estimate your payback period, your contractor will consider the amount of energy your solar panels can generate. The average payback period for a 5 kW system in Vermont is 9.3 years, but it can be as short as seven years with a higher production level or as long as 15 with a lower rate.

Yes, you can take advantage of certain tax breaks when installing solar panels on a home in the U.S., but they’re not always universal. At minimum, you will qualify for a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of your solar panels. You can look into your specific area to see if you qualify for additional credits or exemptions.

On average, a solar system can generate between 11.2 and 20 kW. The bigger your system is, the more electricity you'll generate and the higher your initial costs will be.

Find a Solar Company In Vermont