Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield, VT (2024 Update)
- Northfield Solar Installation Cost: $15,142
- 25-Year Savings: $20,582
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield
We go over average solar pricing in Northfield.
In Northfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $15,142 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northfield
| 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 Northfield
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Northfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Northfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,850 per kilowatt in Northfield.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Northfield homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Northfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more 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 companies.
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 | $17,216 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $23,386 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $29,771 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $36,372 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $43,189 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $50,221 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $57,469 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $64,932 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Northfield, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Northfield is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Northfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 home 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.