Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelburne, VT (2023 Update)
- Shelburne Solar Installation Cost: $11,491
- 25-Year Savings: $23,839
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelburne
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Shelburne.
The average cost of solar panels in Shelburne is 2.87 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Shelburne, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,491, or $16,432 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. 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 electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company 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 | $-10,078 |
| 3 years | $-7,252 |
| 5 years | $-4,425 |
| 7 years | $-1,599 |
| 9 years | $1,227 |
| 11 years | $4,054 |
| 13 years | $6,880 |
| 15 years | $9,707 |
| 17 years | $12,533 |
| 19 years | $15,359 |
| 21 years | $18,186 |
| 23 years | $21,012 |
| 25 years | $23,839 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelburne
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shelburne, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Shelburne, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Shelburne, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Shelburne have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $24,528 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $33,026 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $41,684 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $50,503 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $59,483 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $68,623 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $77,924 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $87,386 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Shelburne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking 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 work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 big role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 $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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shelburne is currently $386,200, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,834 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shelburne is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.