Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castleton, VT (2023 Update)
- Castleton Solar Installation Cost: $11,110
- 25-Year Savings: $22,648
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castleton
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Castleton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Castleton generally cost about 2.87. Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Castleton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,110 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind 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 equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Castleton can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Castleton
| 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 Castleton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Castleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,870. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Castleton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Castleton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Castleton, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, 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 Castleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.