Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swanton, VT (2024 Update)
- Swanton Solar Installation Cost: $15,500
- 25-Year Savings: $20,427
- Payback Period: 12.1 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 Swanton
We go over average solar pricing in Swanton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Swanton typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Swanton, 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Swanton 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Swanton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Swanton
| 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 Swanton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Swanton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swanton
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Swanton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Swanton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Swanton is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Swanton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 Swanton?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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.