Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bennington, VT (2025 Update)
- Bennington Solar Installation Cost: $14,663
- 25-Year Savings: $22,827
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bennington
We go over average solar pricing in Bennington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bennington it’s 4 per watt.The average Bennington homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,663 with the federal tax credit, or $20,968 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bennington homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bennington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,302 |
| 3 years | $-10,581 |
| 5 years | $-7,859 |
| 7 years | $-5,137 |
| 9 years | $-2,415 |
| 11 years | $306 |
| 13 years | $3,028 |
| 15 years | $5,750 |
| 17 years | $8,472 |
| 19 years | $11,193 |
| 21 years | $13,915 |
| 23 years | $16,637 |
| 25 years | $19,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Bennington
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Bennington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bennington
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Bennington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bennington, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 Bennington offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bennington homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bennington is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $20,410 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $27,644 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $35,094 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $42,759 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $50,641 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $58,737 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $67,050 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $75,578 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
EcoWatch's Bennington, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bennington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bennington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bennington. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Bennington?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.