Solar Panel Cost Guide in Essex, VT (Mar 2023)
- Essex Solar Installation Cost: $11,491
- 25-Year Savings: $22,849
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex
We break down average solar pricing in Essex.
In Essex, solar panels cost about 2.87 per watt on average. The average Essex homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,491 with the federal tax credit, or $16,432 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Essex depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Essex can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Essex for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Essex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,118 |
| 3 years | $-7,371 |
| 5 years | $-4,623 |
| 7 years | $-1,876 |
| 9 years | $871 |
| 11 years | $3,618 |
| 13 years | $6,366 |
| 15 years | $9,113 |
| 17 years | $11,860 |
| 19 years | $14,607 |
| 21 years | $17,355 |
| 23 years | $20,102 |
| 25 years | $22,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Essex
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Essex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Essex
The cost of installing a solar system in Essex can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Essex, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Essex homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Essex, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $23,490 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $31,642 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $39,954 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $48,427 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $57,060 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $65,855 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $74,810 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $83,926 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing 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 Essex, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Essex?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Essex?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.