Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highgate, VT (2023 Update)
- Highgate Solar Installation Cost: $11,554
- 25-Year Savings: $20,919
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highgate
We go over average solar pricing in Highgate.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highgate, the average cost of solar panels is 2.87 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Highgate, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,552, or $16,519 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Highgate for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Highgate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,199 |
| 3 years | $-7,489 |
| 5 years | $-4,779 |
| 7 years | $-2,069 |
| 9 years | $641 |
| 11 years | $3,351 |
| 13 years | $6,061 |
| 15 years | $8,771 |
| 17 years | $11,481 |
| 19 years | $14,191 |
| 21 years | $16,901 |
| 23 years | $19,611 |
| 25 years | $22,321 |
Top Solar Installers in Highgate
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Highgate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highgate
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Highgate: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,870. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Highgate to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Highgate's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $21,341 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $28,776 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $36,372 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $44,129 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $52,046 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $60,124 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $68,363 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $76,762 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading 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 part 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 Highgate, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highgate?
The average cost of solar panels in Highgate is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Highgate have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.