Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Burlington, VT (2024 Update)
- South Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $18,609
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Burlington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Burlington.
In South Burlington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in South Burlington is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,413 for a solar installation, or $22,041 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few 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 ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in South Burlington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Burlington
| 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 South Burlington
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in South Burlington, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 South Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Burlington
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in South Burlington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Burlington, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar companies in South Burlington offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. South Burlington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Burlington have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $17,552 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $23,834 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $30,331 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $37,044 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $43,973 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $51,117 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $58,477 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $66,052 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully 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: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 South Burlington, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in South Burlington 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.