Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Johnsbury, VT (2024 Update)
- St. Johnsbury Solar Installation Cost: $15,325
- 25-Year Savings: $20,679
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Johnsbury
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in St. Johnsbury.
In St. Johnsbury, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $15,325 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in St. Johnsbury depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average St. Johnsbury homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in St. Johnsbury for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in St. Johnsbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,964 |
| 3 years | $-11,243 |
| 5 years | $-8,521 |
| 7 years | $-5,799 |
| 9 years | $-3,077 |
| 11 years | $-356 |
| 13 years | $2,366 |
| 15 years | $5,088 |
| 17 years | $7,810 |
| 19 years | $10,531 |
| 21 years | $13,253 |
| 23 years | $15,975 |
| 25 years | $18,697 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Johnsbury
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 St. Johnsbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Johnsbury
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Johnsbury can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Johnsbury to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. St. Johnsbury’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in St. Johnsbury know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $4.00 | $16,817 | $17,056 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $23,172 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $29,504 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $36,052 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $42,815 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $49,794 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $56,989 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $64,399 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in St. Johnsbury, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 St. Johnsbury, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Johnsbury?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Johnsbury 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in St. Johnsbury?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Johnsbury, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in St. Johnsbury?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in St. Johnsbury?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.