Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swanton, VT (Mar 2023)
- Swanton Solar Installation Cost: $11,552
- 25-Year Savings: $20,430
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swanton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Swanton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Swanton, the average cost of a solar system is 2.87 per watt. Since a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Swanton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,552 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Swanton based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Swanton find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Swanton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,272 |
| 3 years | $-7,714 |
| 5 years | $-5,156 |
| 7 years | $-2,597 |
| 9 years | $-38 |
| 11 years | $2,520 |
| 13 years | $5,078 |
| 15 years | $7,637 |
| 17 years | $10,196 |
| 19 years | $12,754 |
| 21 years | $15,312 |
| 23 years | $17,871 |
| 25 years | $20,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Swanton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Swanton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swanton
For many Swanton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Swanton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,870. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Swanton, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Swanton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that 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 solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Swanton, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Swanton?
The average cost of solar panels in Swanton is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,112.13 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Swanton?
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 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.