Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barre, VT (2024 Update)
- Barre Solar Installation Cost: $15,142
- 25-Year Savings: $26,004
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barre
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Barre.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Barre generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Barre is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,142 for a solar installation, or $21,653 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Barre homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Barre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,781 |
| 3 years | $-11,060 |
| 5 years | $-8,338 |
| 7 years | $-5,616 |
| 9 years | $-2,894 |
| 11 years | $-172 |
| 13 years | $2,549 |
| 15 years | $5,271 |
| 17 years | $7,993 |
| 19 years | $10,715 |
| 21 years | $13,436 |
| 23 years | $16,158 |
| 25 years | $18,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Barre
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Barre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barre
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Barre, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Barre, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Barre 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 lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Barre is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $23,006 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $31,106 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $39,421 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $47,952 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $56,699 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $65,661 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $74,839 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $84,232 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Barre, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Barre, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barre?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Barre is currently $292,450, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,990 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Barre is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Barre?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.