Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, VT (2023 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $11,491
- 25-Year Savings: $20,241
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Burlington.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Burlington is 2.87 per watt. Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Burlington, the average price of going solar will be about $11,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Burlington see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,222 |
| 3 years | $-7,684 |
| 5 years | $-5,145 |
| 7 years | $-2,606 |
| 9 years | $-68 |
| 11 years | $2,471 |
| 13 years | $5,010 |
| 15 years | $7,548 |
| 17 years | $10,087 |
| 19 years | $12,625 |
| 21 years | $15,164 |
| 23 years | $17,703 |
| 25 years | $20,241 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Burlington, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Burlington to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Burlington, and each can charge varying 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $20,754 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $27,994 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $35,394 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $42,955 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $50,676 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $58,559 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $66,602 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $74,806 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
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 Burlington, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burlington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Burlington is currently $277,956, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,396 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Burlington is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.