Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hinesburg, VT (2024 Update)
- Hinesburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $23,840
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hinesburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hinesburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hinesburg it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hinesburg, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,413, or $22,041 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Hinesburg homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hinesburg
| 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 Hinesburg
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Hinesburg, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hinesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hinesburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hinesburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hinesburg, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hinesburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Hinesburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $20,248 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $27,428 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $34,824 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $42,436 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $50,263 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $58,306 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $66,564 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $75,038 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Hinesburg, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hinesburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Hinesburg is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Hinesburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Hinesburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.