Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Albans, VT (2023 Update)
- St. Albans Solar Installation Cost: $11,554
- 25-Year Savings: $20,427
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Albans
We go over average solar pricing in St. Albans.
The average cost of solar panels in St. Albans is 2.87 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.8-kW system would cost about $11,552 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average St. Albans homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in St. Albans that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in St. Albans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,448 |
| 3 years | $-11,235 |
| 5 years | $-11,021 |
| 7 years | $-10,808 |
| 9 years | $-10,595 |
| 11 years | $-10,382 |
| 13 years | $-10,169 |
| 15 years | $-9,955 |
| 17 years | $-9,742 |
| 19 years | $-9,529 |
| 21 years | $-9,316 |
| 23 years | $-9,103 |
| 25 years | $-8,889 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Albans
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in St. Albans, we've 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 St. Albans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Albans
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St. Albans is $11,552, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in St. Albans, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,870 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like St. Albans, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in St. Albans, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in St. Albans, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $20,828 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $28,092 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $35,516 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $43,102 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $50,848 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $58,755 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $66,822 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $75,051 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 St. Albans, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Albans?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in St. Albans?
You can't get solar panels for free in St. Albans. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 long do solar panels last in St. Albans?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.