Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Albans, VT (2025 Update)
- St. Albans Solar Installation Cost: $15,500
- 25-Year Savings: $20,427
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Albans
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in St. Albans.
In St. Albans, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in St. Albans, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,500, or $22,165 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Albans see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Albans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,139 |
| 3 years | $-11,417 |
| 5 years | $-8,695 |
| 7 years | $-5,974 |
| 9 years | $-3,252 |
| 11 years | $-530 |
| 13 years | $2,192 |
| 15 years | $4,913 |
| 17 years | $7,635 |
| 19 years | $10,357 |
| 21 years | $13,079 |
| 23 years | $15,800 |
| 25 years | $18,522 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Albans
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in St. Albans, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in St. Albans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Albans
For many St. Albans homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Albans, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly 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. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Albans to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Albans, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,547 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $22,494 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $28,656 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $35,034 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $41,628 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $48,437 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $55,462 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $62,703 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading 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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
EcoWatch's St. Albans, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Albans?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Albans 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Albans?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 St. Albans?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots 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 power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in St. Albans?
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.