8 Best Solar Companies in Derby, VT (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Derby based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Derby, VT
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Derby homeowner saves $2,052/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Derby

Are you looking for energy freedom in Derby? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can take advantage of many benefits when you go solar. Because Derby has a good capacity for solar power generation, going solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.

The cost of installing solar panels can change a lot based on your home's configuration and your overall energy needs. For an idea of how much you might have to pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Derby by clicking the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Derby

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

SunCommon

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.suncommon.com/
Address: 442 U.S. Rte 2, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676
Phone: 8028828170
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Green Mountain Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.greenmtnsolar.com/
Address: 76 Ethan Allen Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: 8023699149
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Natosi Solar & Electric, LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://www.natosisolar.com/
Address: 114 S Main St, Barre, VT 05641
Phone: 8028827067
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Green Mountain Electric Supply

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: http://www.gmes.com/
Address: 356 Rathe Rd, Colchester, VT 05446
Phone: 8023389336
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Peck Electric

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.peckelectric.com/
Address: 400 Avenue D #10, Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 8026583378
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Building Energy

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.buildingenergyvt.com/
Address: 1570 S Brownell Rd, Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 8028593384
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GoSolar New England

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://gosolarnh.net/
Address: 38 Lancaster Rd, Gorham, NH 03581
Phone: 6034662366
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

AllEarth Renewables

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.allearthrenewables.com/
Address: 94 Harvest Ln Suite 100, Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 8028729600

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Derby

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Derby 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 Derby


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 Derby

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your system. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:

  • Electricity consumption: The average home in Derby uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
  • Your current electric bills: Solar panels can greatly decrease, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Derby, you can save an average of $123 a month.
  • Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $24,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.

There are many great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your finances. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Derby

If you're considering making the switch to solar energy, several government incentives and state programs can dramatically bring down the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money back after paying for a qualifying system. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Derby, visit our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Derby

There are a few big reasons why people are considering solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. Something many homeowners might be asking themselves is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? In a city like Derby where energy use is rather high, switching to solar energy is a good idea for households who are worried about the state of the planet. In Derby, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 40 pounds a year once they go solar. If you care about the environment, you'll no doubt find that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Derby, VT Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

In Derby, SunCommon is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.05 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

When should I install solar panels?

Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the ideal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.

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.