Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, VT (Mar 2023)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $11,110
- 25-Year Savings: $22,648
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
We go over average solar pricing in Brandon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brandon it's 2.87 per watt. The average Brandon homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,110 with the federal tax credit, or $15,887 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,759 |
| 3 years | $-7,059 |
| 5 years | $-4,358 |
| 7 years | $-1,658 |
| 9 years | $1,043 |
| 11 years | $3,744 |
| 13 years | $6,444 |
| 15 years | $9,145 |
| 17 years | $11,846 |
| 19 years | $14,546 |
| 21 years | $17,247 |
| 23 years | $19,947 |
| 25 years | $22,648 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Brandon, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
There are several factors that can influence 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 panel system in Brandon, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Brandon, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 installers in Brandon offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brandon is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $24,067 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $32,411 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $40,915 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $49,581 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $58,406 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $67,393 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $76,541 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $85,849 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 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. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brandon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Brandon, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.