Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stowe, VT (2023 Update)
- Stowe Solar Installation Cost: $11,451
- 25-Year Savings: $22,111
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stowe
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Stowe.
In Stowe, solar panels cost about 2.87 per watt on average. The average Stowe homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,451 with the federal tax credit, or $16,375 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stowe find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Stowe for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Stowe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,109 |
| 3 years | $-7,424 |
| 5 years | $-4,739 |
| 7 years | $-2,054 |
| 9 years | $631 |
| 11 years | $3,316 |
| 13 years | $6,001 |
| 15 years | $8,686 |
| 17 years | $11,371 |
| 19 years | $14,056 |
| 21 years | $16,741 |
| 23 years | $19,426 |
| 25 years | $22,111 |
Top Solar Installers in Stowe
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Stowe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stowe
The cost of installing a solar system in Stowe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,870 per kilowatt in Stowe. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Stowe, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Stowe's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Stowe are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.98 | $12,536 | $22,767 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $30,678 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $38,749 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $46,981 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $55,374 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $63,927 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $72,641 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $81,516 | 7.7 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: 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 how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Stowe, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stowe?
The average cost of solar panels in Stowe 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Stowe?
A solar panel system isn't free in Stowe, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.