Solar Panel Cost Guide in Essex, VT (2024 Update)
- Essex Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $18,609
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Essex.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Essex it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Essex is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,413 for a solar installation, or $22,041 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Essex find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Essex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,052 |
| 3 years | $-11,331 |
| 5 years | $-8,609 |
| 7 years | $-5,887 |
| 9 years | $-3,165 |
| 11 years | $-444 |
| 13 years | $2,278 |
| 15 years | $5,000 |
| 17 years | $7,722 |
| 19 years | $10,443 |
| 21 years | $13,165 |
| 23 years | $15,887 |
| 25 years | $18,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Essex
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Essex, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Essex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Essex
For many Essex homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Essex, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,850 per kilowatt in Essex.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Essex, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Essex’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Essex know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $19,209 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $26,044 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $33,094 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $40,359 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $47,841 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $55,537 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $63,450 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $71,578 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Essex, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Essex?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Essex?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Essex, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
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 Essex is currently $460,437, which means you can look forward to a value of about $18,878 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Essex is a rewarding investment.
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.