Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Burlington, VT (2023 Update)
- South Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $11,491
- 25-Year Savings: $21,269
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Burlington
We go over average solar pricing in South Burlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Burlington, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.87 per watt. The average South Burlington homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,491 with the federal tax credit, or $16,432 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in South Burlington can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in South Burlington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,181 |
| 3 years | $-7,560 |
| 5 years | $-4,939 |
| 7 years | $-2,319 |
| 9 years | $302 |
| 11 years | $2,923 |
| 13 years | $5,544 |
| 15 years | $8,165 |
| 17 years | $10,786 |
| 19 years | $13,407 |
| 21 years | $16,027 |
| 23 years | $18,648 |
| 25 years | $21,269 |
Top Solar Installers in South Burlington
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in South Burlington is $11,491, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost 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 primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many South Burlington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much you pay. South Burlington's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,832 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $29,431 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $37,191 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $45,111 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $53,193 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $61,434 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $69,837 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $78,400 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 $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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Burlington?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.