Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Burlington, VT (2024 Update)
- South Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $15,413
- 25-Year Savings: $18,609
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Burlington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Burlington.
In South Burlington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in South Burlington is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,413 for a solar installation, or $22,041 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average South Burlington homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in South Burlington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Burlington
| 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 South Burlington
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in South Burlington, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 South Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Burlington
Though the average cost of a solar system in South Burlington is $15,413, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in South Burlington, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Burlington, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Burlington to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Burlington is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,552 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $23,834 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $30,331 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $37,044 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $43,973 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $51,117 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $58,477 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $66,052 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 South Burlington, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in South Burlington is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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.