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January 24, 2024

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    With the cost of energy going up these days, many property owners are looking for alternative ways to power their homes and buildings. Although there are many great renewable energies, solar energy systems might be your best option if you’re looking for a cheap source of electricity that will provide you with decades of savings.

    For residents of Vermont, now is an excellent time to buy a PV system because there have never been as many solar tax credits and rebates available to lower the costs associated with your solar purchase. Keep reading to learn how purchasing and installing solar panels in Vermont can be made more financially accessible. See our guide to accessing solar tax exemption.

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    The Best Solar Incentives, Tax Credits, an Rebates in Vermont

    There are several public and private incentives in Vermont that help you save on your purchase of solar panels in Vermont:

    IncentiveSummaryEnd Date

    Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
    Vermont residents can take advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit and get a rebate of 30% applied to their tax returns. In Vermont, residents enjoy an average ITC of $5,166. Read More2032

    Renewable Solar Sales Tax Exemption
    This sales tax exemption provides residential and commercial purchasers of solar panels with a 6% state sales tax exemption.None

    Vermont Solar Property Tax Exemption
    In Vermont, residents and property owners will not have to pay additional property taxes for the added value to their homes created by installing solar energy systems.None

    Net Metering
    Net metering allows homeowners that create excess energy to use it as a credit on their next electric bill. All energy providers are required to offer this option to homeowners.None

    Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device Program
    The Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device Program allows Green Mountain Power customers to get as much as $10,500 off the purchase of a new home battery when they enroll in the Bring Your Own Device Program.None

    USDA REAP GRANT
    REAP assists agricultural producers and rural small businesses to reduce their energy costs and consumption by providing loan financing and grant funding to purchase and install renewable energy systems. Eligible participants in the REAP program are agricultural producers, with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and small businesses in eligible rural areas.None

    Vermont Investment Tax Credit
    The Vermont Investment Tax Credit is offered to encourage investment in rehabilitation and qualifying renewable energy projects. Your project must be eligible for and receive the federal tax credit to receive this state credit. Project leaders can receive up to a 24% tax credit attributable to the Vermont-property portion of the investment.None

    The Commercial Energy Loan Program (CELP)
    This program provides low-interest loans for businesses to engage in larger renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The maximum loan amount is $2,000,000, which can fund up to 60% of a solar project.None

    Featured Video: How Well Will Your Solar Panels Still Work When Covered In Snow?


    Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

    The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a 30% tax credit for purchased home solar systems installed by the end of 2032. It had been set to expire but was extended through the end of 2032 as a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act.

    In Vermont, residents enjoy an average ITC of $5,166, a significant chunk of money taken off personal income taxes. Generally speaking, the ITC has done wonders for the solar industry by helping to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and bringing billions of dollars into the economy since its enactment in 2006.

    Explore our overview of Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, to learn more about the program

    Vermont Solar Sales Tax Exemption

    The Renewable Energy System Sales Tax Exemption is a sales tax exemption that provides purchasers of solar panels with a 6% state sales tax exemption. The sales tax in Vermont is only 6%, to begin with, so this exemption eliminates the sales tax on solar panels.

    Vermont Solar Property Tax Exemption

    The Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar is a property tax exemption that excludes the added value of a solar installation in Vermont from your home’s value for tax purposes.

    Vermont Net Metering

    Vermont mandates net metering for all electricity companies. This policy means that your solar panels will be connected to the public-utility power grid, and surplus power created by your panels will be transferred to the grid. You can offset the cost of power drawn from the electricity grid due to net metering. The minimum compensation you’ll receive is the avoided-cost rate, which is below the retail rate. While the policy specifics of net metering programs will vary among providers, it remains hugely beneficial for owners of solar energy systems.

    Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device Program

    The Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device Program allows Green Mountain Power customers to get as much as $10,500 off the purchase of a new home battery when they enroll in the Bring Your Own Device Program.

    Commercial Vermont Solar Incentives

    Solar Incentives for Nonprofits and Businesses in Vermont

    The Vermont Investment Tax Credit is offered to encourage investment in rehabilitation and qualifying renewable energy projects. Your project must be eligible for and receive the federal tax credit to receive this state credit. Project leaders can receive up to a 24% tax credit for the Vermont-property portion of the investment.

    The Federal ITC also provides a 30% tax credit for non-tax-exempt businesses that elect to install solar. Like the residential tax credit, this has been extended through the end of 2032.

    USDA REAP Grant

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a program designed to increase investments in clean energy called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses lower their energy costs and consumption by financing loans and grant funding to purchase and install renewable energy systems. You are eligible to participate in the REAP program if you are an agricultural producer with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations or a small business in eligible rural areas.

    State Sales Tax Exemption

     Businesses can claim a 6% sales tax exemption on any equipment purchased to construct and install net-metered renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. Specific municipalities may offer additional tax credits and incentives.

    The Commercial Energy Loan Program (CELP)

    This program provides low-interest loans for businesses to engage in larger renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The maximum loan amount is $2,000,000, which can fund up to 60% of a solar project.

    More Vermont Resources

    Why Go Solar in Vermont?

    Solar energy production has recently taken off across the United States. While it used to be somewhat common to see solar panels in sunny states like Arizona and New Mexico, it is now becoming more and more normal to see solar panels lining the roofs of homes up north.

    Vermont has become a great state to purchase and install a solar energy system on your property. Thanks to its Renewable Portfolio Standard goals that incentivize the use of industrial, commercial, and residential solar power, Vermont is now a superstar in the world of renewable energy. Solar policies in Vermont are superb, and the Vermont solar market will likely continue to grow for years to come.

    Solar panels are a very valuable means of generating electricity where sunlight is abundant. But just because solar panels perform well in sunny climates doesn’t mean they aren’t useful in colder, cloudy areas. Vermont receives nearly 167 sunny days per year, which is certainly below the national average of 205 days. Nonetheless, the rise of highly efficient solar panels in recent years, means they can perform well even in a northern state like Vermont. Plus, installing solar panels will reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, reduce your carbon footprint, and ultimately help mitigate the onset of climate change.

    Finally, solar panels can dramatically increase your home’s value. According to Zillow, the average home experiences a 4.1% increase in value after adding a solar power system. In Vermont, the average home value is $341,415, which means the average value increase from solar panels will be close to $13,998.

    Are you sold on solar for your home? Get a free quote from local solar installers.

    Get a Solar Quote in 30 Seconds
    On average, homeowners save $5,000–$20,000 with solar panels

    Vermont Solar Cost

    The average cost of a solar panel installation in Vermont ranges from $13,090 to $17,710. On a cost-per-watt basis, solar panel installation in Vermont falls between $2.62 and $3.54. Over the last ten years, the cost of solar energy has dropped 50%, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. With energy bills increasing amid high oil and gas prices, the relative cost of solar is bound to decline further.

    How Much Can You Save on Solar in Vermont?

    Purchasing solar panels can save you lots of money on your electricity bills in Vermont. When solar panels produce electricity for your home, they can reduce the energy you pull from the grid, thus lowering your bills. People living in Vermont pay an average of $110.79 per month for electricity, meaning they can save as much as  $1,329 each year that their solar panels produce electricity.

    It is also important to note that solar panels are long-lasting, enabling you to lock in lower electricity rates for 25 years or more. As a result, you’ll avoid future utility price hikes and save yourself from Vermont’s already high energy prices. Explore our article to discover how solar panels contribute to your savings.


    Final Thoughts: The Best Vermont Solar Incentives

    Vermont is a great state to invest in residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems. Unlike some other state governments that provide less support for people who undertake renewable energy projects, the Vermont state government is fully behind and willing to out anyone seeking to join the rush of homeowners installing renewable energy systems.

    Indeed, with financial assistance from the federal government, the state government, and additional local incentives, Vermont residents have a wealth of support to draw from when purchasing solar panels. As energy prices soar, the time is right to get into the solar game. If you are interested in purchasing, many great companies will help set you get started.

    You might be interested in exploring our article to learn how to acquire clean energy with incentives.

    Get a Solar Quote in 30 Seconds
    On average, homeowners save $5,000–$20,000 with solar panels

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is solar worth it in Vermont?

    Yes, you should consider buying a solar energy system in Vermont. Solar can save you tons of money on your utility bills and help reduce your production of emissions and your carbon footprint. Plus, various federal, state, and local financial incentives are available to purchase solar panels accessible to anyone. All of these things contribute to making solar energy a great choice for Vermont residents.


    How much will my electricity bill go down with solar in Vermont?

    If you live in Vermont, you pay an average of $110.79 monthly for electricity. With the purchase of a solar energy system for your home, you could save $1,329 each year if your solar panels produce enough electricity to take you off the power grid. Plus, with solar panels lasting more than 25 years, you’ll be able to lock in lower electricity rates for decades to come.


    How much does it cost for solar panels in Vermont?

    The average cost of a solar panel installation in Vermont ranges from $13,090 to $17,710. On a cost-per-watt basis, solar panel installation in Vermont falls between $2.62 and $3.54. Over the last ten years, the cost of solar energy has dropped 50%.


    Can you get solar panels for free in Vermont?

    Although it is unlikely that you can get solar panels for free in Vermont, you are lucky to have the support of numerous federal, state, and local financial incentives that will significantly minimize the costs of purchasing a new solar energy system.


    What solar rebates are available in Vermont?

    There are many federal, state, and local financial incentives for purchasers of solar energy systems in Vermont. These include the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Vermont Sales Tax Exemption, the Vermont Property Tax Exemption, and the Vermont Investment Tax Credit.


    How many homes in Vermont have solar panels?

    There is enough solar installed in Vermont to power 70,405 homes, and solar accounts for 16.16% of the state’s electricity production.


    Do solar panels increase property taxes in Vermont?

    No, the Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar is a property tax exemption that excludes the added value of a solar installation in Vermont from your home’s value for tax purposes.


    How much can you write off for solar panels on taxes in Vermont?

    Vermont taxpayers can write off many costs associated with purchasing new solar energy systems. Check out the Vermont state government’s website for more information about incentive programs.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    photo of Lora Novak

    Lora Novak

    Senior Editor

    Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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