Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutland, VT (2024 Update)
- Rutland Solar Installation Cost: $14,913
- 25-Year Savings: $22,641
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutland
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rutland.
In Rutland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $14,913 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rutland based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Rutland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rutland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,552 |
| 3 years | $-10,830 |
| 5 years | $-8,109 |
| 7 years | $-5,387 |
| 9 years | $-2,665 |
| 11 years | $57 |
| 13 years | $2,779 |
| 15 years | $5,500 |
| 17 years | $8,222 |
| 19 years | $10,944 |
| 21 years | $13,666 |
| 23 years | $16,387 |
| 25 years | $19,109 |
Top Solar Installers in Rutland
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. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rutland, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rutland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutland
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rutland to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea 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 remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rutland, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $19,786 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $26,813 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $34,055 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $41,513 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $49,187 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $57,076 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $65,180 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $73,501 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall 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, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although 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 making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Rutland, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rutland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rutland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rutland. However, you may still be able to get 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 Rutland?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.