Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brattleboro, VT (2024 Update)
- Brattleboro Solar Installation Cost: $14,521
- 25-Year Savings: $22,933
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brattleboro
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Brattleboro.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brattleboro generally cost about 4.The average Brattleboro homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,521 with the federal tax credit, or $20,765 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Brattleboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brattleboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,160 |
| 3 years | $-10,438 |
| 5 years | $-7,716 |
| 7 years | $-4,995 |
| 9 years | $-2,273 |
| 11 years | $449 |
| 13 years | $3,171 |
| 15 years | $5,892 |
| 17 years | $8,614 |
| 19 years | $11,336 |
| 21 years | $14,058 |
| 23 years | $16,780 |
| 25 years | $19,501 |
Top Solar Installers in Brattleboro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
See all of the solar companies in Brattleboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brattleboro
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,850 per kilowatt in Brattleboro.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brattleboro to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Brattleboro’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.00 | $16,817 | $20,775 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $28,131 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $35,703 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $43,490 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $51,493 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $59,712 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $68,146 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $76,796 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Brattleboro, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brattleboro?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brattleboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Brattleboro, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.