Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockingham, VT (2024 Update)
- Rockingham Solar Installation Cost: $14,521
- 25-Year Savings: $22,933
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockingham
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Rockingham.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockingham generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Rockingham is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,521 for a solar installation, or $20,765 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Rockingham homeowner can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Rockingham for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rockingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,160 |
| 3 years | $-10,438 |
| 5 years | $-7,716 |
| 7 years | $-4,995 |
| 9 years | $-2,273 |
| 11 years | $449 |
| 13 years | $3,171 |
| 15 years | $5,892 |
| 17 years | $8,614 |
| 19 years | $11,336 |
| 21 years | $14,058 |
| 23 years | $16,780 |
| 25 years | $19,501 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockingham
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Rockingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockingham
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Rockingham: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Rockingham, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rockingham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rockingham homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rockingham, 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 your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 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 | $20,775 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $28,131 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $35,703 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $43,490 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $51,493 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $59,712 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $68,146 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $76,796 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Rockingham, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockingham?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rockingham?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rockingham. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rockingham?
Each state has some form 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.
How long do solar panels last in Rockingham?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.