Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, VT (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $11,008
- 25-Year Savings: $22,749
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Chester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chester, the average cost of a solar system is 2.87 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $11,009 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Chester can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Chester for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,896 |
| 3 years | $-10,671 |
| 5 years | $-10,446 |
| 7 years | $-10,221 |
| 9 years | $-9,996 |
| 11 years | $-9,771 |
| 13 years | $-9,545 |
| 15 years | $-9,320 |
| 17 years | $-9,095 |
| 19 years | $-8,870 |
| 21 years | $-8,645 |
| 23 years | $-8,420 |
| 25 years | $-8,195 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Chester:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 need 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 model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chester, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to add 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Chester know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $24,428 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $32,892 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $41,517 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $50,302 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $59,248 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $68,355 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $77,623 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $87,051 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from 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 Chester, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chester?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,232.13 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.