Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockingham, VT (2023 Update)
- Rockingham Solar Installation Cost: $10,825
- 25-Year Savings: $22,933
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockingham
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rockingham.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockingham typically cost about 2.87. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Rockingham, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,829, or $15,485 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Rockingham homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Rockingham for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rockingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,712 |
| 3 years | $-10,487 |
| 5 years | $-10,262 |
| 7 years | $-10,037 |
| 9 years | $-9,812 |
| 11 years | $-9,587 |
| 13 years | $-9,362 |
| 15 years | $-9,137 |
| 17 years | $-8,912 |
| 19 years | $-8,686 |
| 21 years | $-8,461 |
| 23 years | $-8,236 |
| 25 years | $-8,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockingham
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Rockingham, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
For many Rockingham homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockingham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Rockingham, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rockingham, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green 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. Additionally, some companies in Rockingham are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $25,056 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $33,729 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $42,563 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $51,558 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $60,713 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $70,030 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $79,506 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $89,144 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Rockingham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockingham?
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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rockingham?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rockingham is currently $181,283, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,433 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rockingham is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.