There’s no shortage of solar companies in Vermont. So we figured, why not save you some time? We researched the local residential solar installers and read through hundreds of reviews.
These residential solar companies made the cut because they do good work consistently. They understand Vermont’s solar scene, they’re responsive when issues pop up, and their customers tend to be happy. Worth a conversation if you’re serious about solar energy for residential homes.
Find the Best Solar Installers in Vermont
SunCommon review 442 US-2 Waterbury, VT 05676
Catamount Solar review 44 Hull St, Randolph, 5060, VT, US
Catamount Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Green Mountain Solar review 76 Ethan Allen Dr., South Burlington, VT 05403
Recognized as a Trusted Provider, Green Mountain Solar has a widespread influence in 1 state, with its inception in 2017. read more…
Solaflect Energy review 326 Main Street, Suite 4 Norwich, VT 05055
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solaflect Energy read more…
Solaflect Energy review 303 US-5, Norwich VT, 05055
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solaflect Energy read more…
Norwich Solar review 15 Railroad Row, Hartford, 5001, VT, US
Norwich Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 3 states. With a read more…
Albany Solar Solutions review 1511B Mountain Springs Rd, Westport NY, 12993
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Albany Solar read more…
ReVision Energy review 78 Main St, Enfield NH, 03748
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Revision Energy, which concentrates on serving fewer than 3 states. With a foundation dating read more…
SunCommon review 110 Merchants Row, Rutland VT, 05701
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, SunCommon is read more…
Albany Solar Solutions review 61 Seneca Dr, Plattsburgh NY, 12901
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Albany Solar read more…
HB Energy Solutions review 132 Bridge St, Springfield, 5156, VT, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, HB Energy read more…
Boundless Inc. review 58 Atkinson St, Town of Rockingham VT, 05101
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Boundless Inc read more…
FieldElectric review 218 Lovell Rd, Fryeburg, ME 04037
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, FieldElectric is read more…
Energy Shield of New Hampshire review 484, Province Road Building 1, Unit 19, Laconia, New Hampshire 03246, United States
Energy Shield of New Hampshire is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 read more…
Apex Solar Power review 64 Main Street Queensbury, NY 12804
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Apex Energy read more…
Apex Solar Power review 6 Cedar St, Malone NY, 12953
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Apex Energy read more…
Granite State Solar review 57 Ryan Road, Bow, NH 03304
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Granite State Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 2 states. With a foundation read more…
Power Guru review 160 Benmont Ave, Bennington, VT 05201
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Power Guru read more…
Porter Electrical Contracting review 38A North Road, Deerfield, NH 03037, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Porter Electrical read more…
Presby Construction review 244 Main St., Franconia NH, 03580, Manchester, New Hampshire, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Presby Construction read more…
How Much Can Residential Solar Panels Save You in Vermont?
There’s no simple answer to how much you’ll save with solar power for residential homes in Vermont – it really depends on your situation. Your utility company’s billing structure matters, as does the size of the residential solar power system your roof can handle and how much electricity your household uses. Most installers will try to cover all your energy needs, but your actual savings depend on your home’s unique setup.
Before incentives, expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000 for a typical residential solar installation in Vermont. The exact cost depends on your residential solar energy system size and energy requirements.
Want an estimate just for you? Fill out the form on our website, try a solar calculator, or consult with a couple of local residential solar installers for a personalized savings calculation.
Solar Financing Explained for Residential Solar Systems
You’ve got several ways to pay for solar panels:
- Cash
- Solar loans from installers
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar leases or PPAs
Paying Cash: Cash gives you the best long-term savings and the lowest overall cost for your residential solar power system. But let’s be real – not everyone has $15,000 to $20,000 sitting in the bank. If you want to own your system but can’t pay up front, financing is your next option.
Getting a Loan: Personal loans, home equity lines, or installer-offered solar loans all work. Just watch out for the fine print – loans come with interest and fees. Many solar loans include dealer fees that can bump up your total residential solar installation cost by 20% or more (they offset this with lower interest rates). Smart move? Compare dealer fees and rates between different residential solar companies before signing anything.
Don’t skip this: ask for their cost per watt. That’s your real comparison tool when residential solar energy system sizes vary between installers.
Leasing or PPAs: Some businesses let you rent or buy power with no money down. It sounds great, doesn’t it? The catch is that you don’t own the panels, so you can’t get rebates or federal incentives. Also, the monthly payments to the solar company take money out of your savings.
Get detailed savings projections from installers before deciding. Even with financing costs, you’ll typically still pay less for electricity than you do now. Understanding all your options – including available federal and state programs – helps you make the smartest financial choice for your residential solar energy system.
Discover Your Solar Savings in 60 Seconds
Get instant estimates powered by Google Solar API – See your roof's energy potential, cost savings, and environmental impact
Solar Power Cost Vermont
Wondering how much solar panels cost in Vermont? As of January 2026, the residential solar cost per watt averages about $2.94. For a typical 5 kW residential system, that works out to roughly $14,700 before any incentives kick in. Solar panels prices across the state generally range from $13,300 to $16,200, depending on what equipment you choose, how complex your residential solar installation is, and where exactly you live.
Vermont's average cost of a residential solar system comes in slightly below the national average of $3.03 per watt, which is pretty nice considering our shorter winter days.
Cost of Solar Panels in Vermont by System Size
How much does it cost to install solar panels? Well, it depends on how much electricity you use. Here's what different system sizes will run you for solar energy for residential homes:
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $8,820 | |||
| 4 kW | $11,760 | |||
| 5 kW | $14,700 | |||
| 6 kW | $17,640 | |||
| 7 kW | $20,580 | |||
| 8 kW | $23,520 | |||
| 9 kW | $26,460 | |||
| 10 kW | $29,400 | |||
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of January 2026. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Most Vermont homes do fine with a 5-8 kW system. Yes, bigger systems cost more upfront, but they also generate more electricity and save you more money down the road. When you're thinking about how much are solar panels and whether they're worth it, bigger usually means better long-term value. The cost of solar panel installation covers everything—panels, inverters, mounting hardware, labor, and permits.
Vermont Solar Incentives and Rebates
The real question isn't just "how much do solar panels cost?"—it's "how much will I actually pay after solar incentives?" Vermont has some solid options that can seriously cut the cost of solar panels in Vermont:
Vermont Property Tax Exemption
Vermont won't raise your property taxes when you add solar panels, even though they increase your home's value. That saves you money on property taxes every year.
Vermont Sales Tax Exemption
No sales tax on solar installations in Vermont. That's an automatic 6% savings right at purchase.
Net Metering
Every utility in Vermont has to offer net metering. Basically, when your residential solar panels produce more electricity than you're using, that excess goes to the grid and you get credits. Then at night or on cloudy days when you need power from the grid, those credits cover your costs.
Right now, Vermont's net metering rate sits at approximately $0.18 per kWh (the blended residential rate), which is close to what you'd pay retail. Credits expire after a year, but most people use them up long before that.
Battery Storage Incentives (Green Mountain Power Customers)
If you're a Green Mountain Power customer, there are some interesting battery programs:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): You can earn up to $10,500 in rebates by letting GMP tap into your stored battery power during peak times. They pay $850 per kW if you provide 3 hours of power, or $950 per kW for 4 hours.
- Tesla Powerwall Program: Lease two Tesla Powerwalls for 10 years—either $55/month or $5,500 upfront. That's way cheaper than buying them outright.
Specific Considerations for Vermont Solar
Solar Irradiance and Climate
You might think Vermont's too far north or too cloudy for solar, but that's not really true. We get about 3.5 to 4.0 peak sun hours daily on average throughout the year—pretty comparable to other northeastern states. Sure, winter produces less because the days are shorter and we get snow, but modern residential solar panels still work on cloudy days and generate power year-round.
Actually, Vermont's climate helps in some ways. Solar panels work better when they're cool, so our moderate summers mean we don't get the efficiency drops that happen in really hot places. Snow usually slides off angled panels pretty quick, and when it's sunny, that white stuff can actually reflect extra light onto your panels.
Permitting and Interconnection
Vermont's made the whole permitting process pretty straightforward:
- Under 15 kW: Simple, fast-tracked interconnection through your local utility
- 15-150 kW: Standard application process
- Over 150 kW: More detailed review plus a $600 application fee
Most home installations stay under 15 kW, so you'll get the expedited treatment. You'll need to file for a Certificate of Public Good (CPG) through Vermont's ePUC system. For residential systems, utilities usually review these within 15-30 business days.
The Public Utility Commission oversees everything to keep the process consistent across all Vermont utilities.
Timeline Expectations
Typical Installation Timeline
From your first call to flipping the switch, here's what to expect:
Total Duration: 2-4 months
- Consultation and Design (1-2 weeks): Site visit, looking at your energy bills, and designing your system.
- Permits and Approvals (4-8 weeks): This is where things slow down. You're waiting on:
- Local building permits
- Utility interconnection paperwork
- Certificate of Public Good from Vermont PUC
- HOA approval if that applies to you
- Installation (1-3 days): The actual physical work goes fast—panels, inverters, and wiring, done.
- Inspection and Interconnection (2-4 weeks): Final checks by local inspectors, then utility approval to connect to the grid.
Permit Processing Times
- Local building permits: 2-4 weeks
- Utility interconnection approval: 2-4 weeks for residential systems under 15 kW
- PUC Certificate of Public Good: 15-30 business days for standard residential jobs
- Final inspection: 1-2 weeks after installation wraps up
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Vermont?
Short answer: yes, for most Vermont homeowners. Despite our location and weather, the combination of decent sun exposure, high electricity rates, and strong solar incentives makes residential solar panels in Vermont a smart move for many homeowners considering solar energy for residential homes.
Financial Returns
The typical Vermont homeowner saves about $37,600 over 25 years with a cash purchase when working with quality residential solar installers. That factors in:
- Vermont's average electricity rate of $0.17 per kWh
- Average monthly electric bills around $130 for 580 kWh of use
- Annual increases in electricity rates
- Basic system maintenance costs
Payback Period
You'll break even in 13-14 years for most installations. After that, you've got another 11-12 years of warranty coverage where you're just banking savings. The cost to install solar panels starts looking pretty good when you think about it that way.
Financing Options
Don't have $14,700 sitting around? Solar loans let you go solar with nothing down. If your monthly loan payment is less than what you're currently paying for electricity, you start saving from day one. You won't save quite as much over time because of interest, but you'll still come out way ahead compared to just buying grid power for 25 years. Many residential solar companies offer flexible financing options to make solar more accessible.
Environmental Impact
A typical Vermont residential solar system keeps about 100,000 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere over 25 years. That's like planting 1,200 trees or taking two cars off the road for ten years.
Property Value
Homes with solar panels in Vermont sell for about 4% more than similar homes without them, and they tend to sell faster too. Thanks to Vermont's property tax exemption, you get that extra value without paying extra property taxes.
Key Considerations
Before you commit to solar panels in Vermont, think about:
- Roof condition: You want at least 15-20 years left on your roof before you need to replace it
- Shading: Lots of trees? You might need to trim some back or consider a ground-mounted system
- System size: Most Vermont homes need 5-8 kW to cover their electricity use
- Snow management: Your installer should angle the panels so snow slides off naturally
- Electricity usage: The more electricity you use, the faster you'll pay off the system
- Choosing installers: Compare quotes from multiple residential solar companies to get the best value
Vermont's got reasonable electricity rates, solid net metering rules, and good solar incentives working together. That makes solar panels for homes a pretty good purchase. Knowing how much a home solar system costs and what solar rebates are out there can help you make the best decision for your needs. When evaluating cost for residential solar panels, remember that quality installation by experienced residential solar installers is key to maximizing your long-term savings and system performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do We Rank Residential Solar Installers?
Picking a solar installer shouldn’t be a guessing game. We built our rating system to help homeowners make informed solar decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.
Here’s how it works: 5-star system, plain and simple. Five stars means a company is legitimately excellent – the kind you’d recommend to your own family. One star? Run away. We wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole, and neither should you. Our ratings pull from everywhere – EnergySage, SolarReviews, BBB, Google Reviews, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot, the works. But we’re not just averaging star ratings like some algorithm. We read the actual reviews. Are they consistently delivering what they promise, or just occasionally getting lucky?
What Actually Matters When We Evaluate Residential Solar Companies?
- Years in business. Five minimum. Non-negotiable. If a company’s been around less than that, they haven’t weathered any real challenges yet. And think about it – solar panels last 25-30 years. You need an installer who’s built their business model around supporting customers long-term, not just showing up for installation day and disappearing.
- Local vs. national – and it’s not even close. Check the numbers yourself. Local residential solar installers consistently get better reviews than the big chains. Their reputation actually matters because word spreads fast in local communities. They know the permit process in Vermont specifically. They understand your local utility company’s quirks and requirements.
- Hands-on experience. Residential solar energy companies that have hundreds of installations behind them move differently. They’ve seen every bizarre roof situation. They know exactly how to handle older homes with outdated electrical wiring. First-time installers? They’re figuring it out as they go – on your roof, with your money.
- Who’s actually doing the work? Some companies use their own crews. Others outsource everything to whoever’s available. Guess which ones deliver better quality? When residential solar energy companies employ their own installation teams, those workers know they’re accountable. Something breaks later? You call the company, and they send the same team that did the original work. With subcontractors, you’re lucky if you can track down who actually touched your system.
- What people actually say. We check SolarReviews, BBB, Google, Yelp – anywhere real customers leave feedback. But star ratings alone don’t tell the whole story. How does a company handle a one-star review? Do they fix the problem or argue with the customer? Customer reviews show what really happens after you sign the contract.
- Licenses and certifications. Should be obvious, but apparently it’s not. Licensed, insured, NABCEP certified if possible (that’s the actual gold standard for residential solar panel installers, not marketing fluff). Companies cutting corners on basic credentials – what else are they skimping on?
- Equipment quality swings wildly. Good residential solar energy companies stock equipment from solid manufacturers – SunPower, LG, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, brands like that. Lower-tier installers? They push whatever vendor gave them the best wholesale price this quarter, regardless of quality. Ask them straight up: “What brands do you install and why those specifically?” Watch how they answer. That’ll tell you if they prioritize system performance or profit margins.
- Payment options. The best residential solar companies give you real choices – loans, leases, PPAs – and actually walk you through what makes sense for your situation. Huge red flag: companies that only offer one financing option. Usually means it’s structured to maximize their profit, not your savings.
- Warranties separate the pros from the amateurs. Look for 10-12 years on workmanship, minimum. Strong performance guarantees. Your residential solar power system costs serious money. It better have protection beyond the basic manufacturer’s warranty on the panels themselves.
Our Classification System: What the Tags Mean?
We label companies to save you research time:
- Expert Choice: Long-established companies with extensive workmanship warranties and in-house installation crews exclusively. The veterans with the strongest track records.
- Trusted Provider: Multi-state operations that still manage to deliver quality work. Good local reputation, positive customer feedback. They handle installations directly instead of outsourcing.
- Market Leader: Tons of verified reviews, customers are consistently happy. Proven track record of consistent, reliable service.
Stick with “Expert Choice,” “Trusted Provider,” or “Market Leader” tags. They earned those classifications through actual performance, not by paying for better placement. The difference matters more than you’d think.
What to Look for in a Residential Solar Company?
Shopping for solar energy for residential use? Here’s what separates good residential solar companies from ones you’ll regret hiring:
- Check credentials first. NABCEP certification is what you want to see – it’s the real deal in solar. Beyond that, make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your area. Using subcontractors? Those crews better have proper credentials, too, not just some guys with ladders.
- Experience isn’t optional. Five years minimum in the business. Don’t be someone’s practice run. Ask straight up: “How many residential solar energy systems have you installed?” A confident residential solar panel installer will tell you the number and walk you through their equipment choices without hesitation. They should explain how they’ll help you tap into available incentives – and if they can’t clearly explain their warranties, that’s a red flag.
- Communication tells you everything. Here’s a test: Ask specific questions. “Why do I need this many panels?” “Break down the costs based on my actual usage.” “What brands are you proposing and why?” “What’s your per-watt price?” Good residential solar installers answer directly. Sketchy ones dance around numbers or pressure you to sign fast. Trust your gut – if they’re dodgy with answers now, imagine dealing with them when something breaks.
- One more thing on communication: Ask about their subcontractors. Who’s actually doing the work? How are they supervised? You deserve real answers.
- Your roof comes first. Any residential solar panel installer worth their salt will thoroughly inspect your roof before talking panels. They should tell you if repairs are needed upfront – not after they’ve torn into your shingles. Who pays if there’s damage during installation? Get that in writing. And yeah, talk about how it’ll look. Panel placement, where vents end up, all that matters when you’re staring at it every day.
- Do your homework on their reputation. Reviews matter, but dig deeper. Ask for references from recent customers. Even better – if you know anyone who’s gone solar, ask them who they used. Personal recommendations beat online reviews every time because people are brutally honest with friends.
- Always get multiple quotes. Always. Prices swing wildly between residential solar companies – sometimes by thousands. Here’s the key: calculate the cost per watt for each proposal. That’s your apples-to-apples comparison, even if residential solar energy system sizes differ slightly. Get three quotes minimum. You’ll quickly learn what’s fair pricing and what’s someone trying to fleece you.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Go local. It makes a difference.
Small local residential solar companies consistently get better reviews than big national operations. The reason is simple: solar energy for residential use is inherently a local business. Providing good customer service across multiple states from a central office? Nearly impossible.
Local residential solar energy companies have skin in the game. They know your area’s incentives and regulations inside and out. They care about their reputation because word spreads fast in local communities. And they’re not trying to hit some corporate sales quota – they want you to be happy so you’ll refer your neighbors.
National companies will pitch their “financial stability” and “consistent quality across locations.” Don’t buy it. When something goes wrong (and eventually, something always does), you want a local company that answers their phone and can send someone over – not a call center that routes you to whoever’s available.
Find a local residential solar panel installer that checks all your boxes and specializes in your area. You’ll be happier for it.
What Does a Residential Solar Installation in Vermont Look Like?
So you’ve approved your residential solar power system design. What happens next?
- They’ll dig into your energy use. Pull out your utility bills from the last year – installers need to see your actual consumption in kWh. This isn’t busywork. These numbers determine everything: how much you’ll save, when you’ll break even, and what size system makes sense for your home.
- Expect a home energy audit. Good residential solar energy companies don’t skip this. They’re looking at your consumption patterns, when you use the most power, all that. It’s how they properly size your system instead of just slapping panels up there and hoping for the best.
- Your roof gets scrutinized. Is it in decent shape? Facing the right direction? They’ll inspect everything – structural integrity, orientation, shading issues. This determines where panels go and how they’ll run the wiring without making your house look like a science experiment.
- Design gets finalized. They’ll show you renderings of what your residential solar energy system will actually look like on your roof, plus production estimates and costs specific to your situation.
- Paperwork time. Vermont requires permits for residential solar installation. The good news? Your installer handles this headache. If they’re telling you to pull permits yourself, find a different company.
- The waiting game. Here’s the reality: start to finish, you’re looking at about 3 months. Permits take time. Inspections take time. Getting utility approval takes time. The actual installation on your roof? That’s usually done in 3 days, maybe longer if your roof is complicated or the system is big. Most of those 3 months are just waiting on bureaucracy.
- Installation day arrives. The crew shows up, gets everything installed, and cleans up after themselves. Professional crews leave your property cleaner than they found it – you shouldn’t see a single zip tie or scrap of wire left behind. Just new panels on your roof.
- Inspection happens. The city sends someone out to verify everything meets code and safety regulations. This is required – no way around it. Once you pass, you’re almost there.
- Grid connection is the final step. Your residential solar power system gets wired to the utility company, you apply for interconnection, and they’ll inspect it, too. Some residential solar panel installers handle this entire process for you; others make you deal with the utility. Ask upfront who’s doing what. Once all the approvals are in? Flip the switch. You’re making your own power.
