Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelburne, VT (2024 Update)
- Shelburne Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $23,840
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelburne
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Shelburne.
In Shelburne, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Shelburne, the average price of going solar will be about $15,413 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Shelburne homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Shelburne that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shelburne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,052 |
| 3 years | $-11,331 |
| 5 years | $-8,609 |
| 7 years | $-5,887 |
| 9 years | $-3,165 |
| 11 years | $-444 |
| 13 years | $2,278 |
| 15 years | $5,000 |
| 17 years | $7,722 |
| 19 years | $10,443 |
| 21 years | $13,165 |
| 23 years | $15,887 |
| 25 years | $18,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelburne
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding 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’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Shelburne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelburne
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Shelburne: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Shelburne, one of the most crucial 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shelburne to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shelburne homeowners, they can also increase 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 panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 fit into 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 | $20,248 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $27,428 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $34,824 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $42,436 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $50,263 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $58,306 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $66,564 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $75,038 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Shelburne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Shelburne, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelburne?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelburne 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Shelburne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Shelburne?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 take a 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.