Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, VT (2024 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $15,073
- 25-Year Savings: $22,522
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
We break down average solar pricing in Bristol.
In Bristol, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $15,073 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Bristol can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Bristol, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,712 |
| 3 years | $-10,990 |
| 5 years | $-8,268 |
| 7 years | $-5,547 |
| 9 years | $-2,825 |
| 11 years | $-103 |
| 13 years | $2,619 |
| 15 years | $5,341 |
| 17 years | $8,062 |
| 19 years | $10,784 |
| 21 years | $13,506 |
| 23 years | $16,228 |
| 25 years | $18,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
For many Bristol homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bristol, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Bristol, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bristol, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bristol homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bristol, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $4.00 | $16,817 | $19,398 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $26,296 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $33,409 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $40,737 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $48,281 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $56,041 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $64,016 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $72,207 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Bristol, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Bristol, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bristol?
The average cost of solar panels in Bristol is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bristol?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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.