Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middlebury, VT (Mar 2023)
- Middlebury Solar Installation Cost: $11,230
- 25-Year Savings: $22,527
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middlebury
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Middlebury.
In Middlebury, solar panels cost about 2.87 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Middlebury, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,230, or $16,059 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Middlebury homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Middlebury can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Middlebury for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Middlebury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,880 |
| 3 years | $-7,179 |
| 5 years | $-4,479 |
| 7 years | $-1,778 |
| 9 years | $922 |
| 11 years | $3,623 |
| 13 years | $6,324 |
| 15 years | $9,024 |
| 17 years | $11,725 |
| 19 years | $14,426 |
| 21 years | $17,126 |
| 23 years | $19,827 |
| 25 years | $22,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Middlebury
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Middlebury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middlebury
The cost of installing a solar system in Middlebury can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,870. The brand and type 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Middlebury homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Middlebury, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better 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 lower 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 | $23,679 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $31,894 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $40,269 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $48,805 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $57,501 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $66,359 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $75,377 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $84,555 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
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 Middlebury, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middlebury?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-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 cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Middlebury, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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 cover 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.