Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stowe, VT (2024 Update)
- Stowe Solar Installation Cost: $15,372
- 25-Year Savings: $22,103
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stowe
We go over average solar pricing in Stowe.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stowe, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Stowe is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,372 for a solar installation, or $21,982 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Stowe homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Stowe can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Stowe for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Stowe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,011 |
| 3 years | $-11,290 |
| 5 years | $-8,568 |
| 7 years | $-5,846 |
| 9 years | $-3,124 |
| 11 years | $-403 |
| 13 years | $2,319 |
| 15 years | $5,041 |
| 17 years | $7,763 |
| 19 years | $10,484 |
| 21 years | $13,206 |
| 23 years | $15,928 |
| 25 years | $18,650 |
Top Solar Installers in Stowe
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Stowe:
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 Stowe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stowe
For many Stowe homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stowe, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend about $3,850 per kilowatt in Stowe.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better 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 limited 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 solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Stowe, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital 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 putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Stowe, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,487 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $25,080 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $31,889 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $38,914 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $46,154 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $53,610 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $61,281 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $69,168 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Stowe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 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 $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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stowe?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.