Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montpelier, VT (2024 Update)

  • Montpelier Solar Installation Cost: $15,142
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,389
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montpelier

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Montpelier.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Montpelier generally cost about 4.Because a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Montpelier, the average price of going solar will be about $15,142 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Montpelier for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Montpelier

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,781
3 years $-11,060
5 years $-8,338
7 years $-5,616
9 years $-2,894
11 years $-172
13 years $2,549
15 years $5,271
17 years $7,993
19 years $10,715
21 years $13,436
23 years $16,158
25 years $18,880

Top Solar Installers in Montpelier

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Montpelier

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montpelier

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Montpelier: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,850.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Montpelier, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Montpelier’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $19,146 11.7 years
8 kW $3.93 $21,991 $25,959 11.5 years
10 kW $3.85 $26,950 $32,988 11.2 years
12 kW $3.77 $31,693 $40,232 11.0 years
14 kW $3.70 $36,221 $47,692 10.8 years
16 kW $3.62 $40,533 $55,368 10.6 years
18 kW $3.54 $44,629 $63,259 10.3 years
20 kW $3.47 $48,510 $71,365 10.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Montpelier, VT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montpelier?

The average cost of solar panels in Montpelier is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration 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 will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Montpelier is currently $413,824, so you could be looking at a value of about $16,967 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Montpelier is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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