12 Best Solar Companies in Colchester, VT (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Colchester based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Colchester, VT
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Colchester homeowner saves $1,886/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Colchester
When you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Colchester, sifting through hundreds of options can be taxing, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many good perks. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your finances will benefit too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $22,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Colchester.To see how much you might have to pay to put up solar panels on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Colchester by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Colchester
Green Mountain Solar
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Building Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Peck Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
AllEarth Renewables
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
DC Energy Innovations
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
iSun Energy, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunCommon
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Community Solar Projects
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Albany Solar Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Bristol Electronics, inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
ADK Solar
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Natosi Solar & Electric, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Green Earth Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Colchester
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Colchester based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Colchester
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Vermont solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Colchester
We know that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $22,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you choose will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your energy consumption: If your home needs to use a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from installing solar panels.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and incentives.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to get a sense of how much adopting solar power could impact the planet and your savings account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Colchester, VT.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Colchester
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is receiving government incentives.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other state and city incentives. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Colchester
Installing solar panels can have a meaningful impact on the environment.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? No matter where you are, you can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume a lot of energy will have a greater impact.Since solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good alternative to traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many Colchester residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Colchester, VT Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Colchester?
In Colchester, Green Mountain Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What are the best and worst things about solar power?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, totally eradicate your electricity bills, improve your home’s value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 11.4 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.