Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castleton, VT (2024 Update)
- Castleton 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 Castleton
We go over average solar pricing in Castleton.
In Castleton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Castleton homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,913 with the federal tax credit, or $21,326 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Castleton can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Castleton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Castleton
| 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 Castleton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Castleton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Castleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castleton
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 around $3,850. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Castleton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Castleton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Castleton is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Castleton 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 | $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 Castleton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Castleton, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Castleton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Castleton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Castleton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.