Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barre, VT (2023 Update)
- Barre Solar Installation Cost: $11,291
- 25-Year Savings: $26,001
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barre
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Barre.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Barre, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.87 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $11,291 before the 30% 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 actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Barre, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,799 |
| 3 years | $-6,816 |
| 5 years | $-3,832 |
| 7 years | $-849 |
| 9 years | $2,134 |
| 11 years | $5,118 |
| 13 years | $8,101 |
| 15 years | $11,084 |
| 17 years | $14,068 |
| 19 years | $17,051 |
| 21 years | $20,034 |
| 23 years | $23,018 |
| 25 years | $26,001 |
Top Solar Installers in Barre
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Barre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barre
There are a number of criteria that can play into your 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,870 per kilowatt in Barre. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Barre to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Barre's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 want and also fits 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $27,286 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $36,703 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $46,281 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $56,019 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $65,919 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $75,978 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $86,199 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $96,580 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects 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:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Barre, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barre?
The average cost of solar panels in Barre is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Barre have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.