Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, VT (2024 Update)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $14,913
- 25-Year Savings: $22,641
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Brandon.
In Brandon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Brandon is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,913 for a solar installation, or $21,326 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Brandon based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Brandon can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,552 |
| 3 years | $-10,830 |
| 5 years | $-8,109 |
| 7 years | $-5,387 |
| 9 years | $-2,665 |
| 11 years | $57 |
| 13 years | $2,779 |
| 15 years | $5,500 |
| 17 years | $8,222 |
| 19 years | $10,944 |
| 21 years | $13,666 |
| 23 years | $16,387 |
| 25 years | $19,109 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
For many Brandon homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brandon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,850 per kilowatt in Brandon.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brandon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brandon to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $19,786 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $26,813 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $34,055 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $41,513 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $49,187 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $57,076 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $65,180 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $73,501 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Brandon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Brandon, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brandon?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
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 Brandon is currently $292,612, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,997 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brandon is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Brandon?
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 higher 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.