Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, VT (2024 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $20,243
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Burlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Burlington, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Burlington, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,413, or $22,041 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Burlington can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Burlington for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,230 |
| 3 years | $-11,863 |
| 5 years | $-9,496 |
| 7 years | $-7,130 |
| 9 years | $-4,763 |
| 11 years | $-2,396 |
| 13 years | $-29 |
| 15 years | $2,337 |
| 17 years | $4,704 |
| 19 years | $7,071 |
| 21 years | $9,437 |
| 23 years | $11,804 |
| 25 years | $14,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Burlington, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
There are several factors that can play into your total 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,850. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Most solar installers in Burlington offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Burlington homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Burlington are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $16,474 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $22,396 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $28,534 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $34,887 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $41,457 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $48,241 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $55,242 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $62,458 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Burlington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Burlington, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Burlington 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on 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 $508,555, which means you can expect a value of about $20,851 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Burlington is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Burlington?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.