Solar Panel Cost Guide in Essex Junction, VT (2024 Update)
- Essex Junction Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $23,840
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex Junction
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Essex Junction.
The average cost of a solar system in Essex Junction is 4 per watt.Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Essex Junction, the average price of going solar will be about $15,413 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Essex Junction homeowner can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Essex Junction for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Essex Junction
| 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 Junction
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Essex Junction
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Essex Junction
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,850 per kilowatt in Essex Junction.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Essex Junction, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Essex Junction, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Essex Junction, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,248 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $27,428 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $34,824 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $42,436 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $50,263 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $58,306 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $66,564 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $75,038 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Essex Junction, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Essex Junction?
This is a hard 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Essex Junction?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Essex Junction?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.