Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutland, VT (2023 Update)
- Rutland Solar Installation Cost: $11,110
- 25-Year Savings: $22,648
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rutland.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rutland typically cost around 2.87. Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rutland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,110 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Rutland based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rutland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,759 |
| 3 years | $-7,059 |
| 5 years | $-4,358 |
| 7 years | $-1,658 |
| 9 years | $1,043 |
| 11 years | $3,744 |
| 13 years | $6,444 |
| 15 years | $9,145 |
| 17 years | $11,846 |
| 19 years | $14,546 |
| 21 years | $17,247 |
| 23 years | $19,947 |
| 25 years | $22,648 |
Top Solar Installers in Rutland
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Rutland, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Rutland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutland
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Rutland, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rutland homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Rutland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 access to 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $24,067 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $32,411 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $40,915 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $49,581 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $58,406 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $67,393 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $76,541 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $85,849 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rutland?
The average cost of solar panels in Rutland is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rutland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.