Solar Panel Cost Guide in Essex, VT (2024 Update)
- Essex Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $18,609
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Essex.
The average cost of solar panels in Essex is 4 per watt.Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Essex, the average price of going solar will be about $15,413 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Essex find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Essex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,052 |
| 3 years | $-11,331 |
| 5 years | $-8,609 |
| 7 years | $-5,887 |
| 9 years | $-3,165 |
| 11 years | $-444 |
| 13 years | $2,278 |
| 15 years | $5,000 |
| 17 years | $7,722 |
| 19 years | $10,443 |
| 21 years | $13,165 |
| 23 years | $15,887 |
| 25 years | $18,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Essex
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Essex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Essex
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Essex is $15,413, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Essex average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Essex to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Essex homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Essex is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Essex have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $19,209 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $26,044 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $33,094 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $40,359 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $47,841 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $55,537 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $63,450 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $71,578 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Essex, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Essex?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Essex?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Essex. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Essex is currently $460,437, so you could be looking at a value of about $18,878 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Essex is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.