8 Best Solar Companies in Derby, VT (2024 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 February 01, 2024

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

Looking to go solar but trying to figure out which company would be the best one for you? Although it can be difficult to choose a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your wallet will thank you too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $24,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.


Here, we’ll make a list of some of the best solar companies in Derby to make your decision a little easier.Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the 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

4.7/5

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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Smart Energy NE, Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: http://www.smartenergyne.com/
Address: 1930 US-3, Columbia, NH 03576
Phone: 8006085840
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Green Mountain Solar

  • 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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.greenmtnsolar.com/
Address: 76 Ethan Allen Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: 8023699149
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 Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon 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

Natosi Solar & Electric, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.natosisolar.com/
Address: 114 S Main St, Barre, VT 05641
Phone: 8028827067
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 Panel Installation

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

AllEarth Renewables

  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: http://www.allearthrenewables.com/
Address: 94 Harvest Ln Suite 100, Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 8028729600
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

iSun Energy, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://isunenergy.com/
Address: 400 Avenue D #10, Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 8666664786

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

For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on prices.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $24,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • The type of solar panels you’re planning on getting: More efficient panels cost more, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
  • The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Due to Derby’s relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your electricity bills.
  • Your energy bills: This will determine your savings. In Derby, the average homeowner can save about $1,300 a year on their electricity bills.

Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

If you're wondering how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Derby, VT.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings{{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost{{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives{{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period{{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in Derby

There are several reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them consists of some government incentives that can save you money.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Derby.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Derby

Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful impact on the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Derby, though. The amount of energy you use is a significant factor to think about. The more electricity you use, the bigger your impact when you make the switch to solar power.In Derby, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 40 pounds a year once they go solar. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

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

What is the most reputable solar panel company in Derby?

The top local solar company in Derby is SunCommon, with a rating of 4.70 stars.

Are solar panels really eco-friendly?

Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?

Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What is the best type of solar panel?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, your budget and how much energy generation you want.

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.