Learn about the best solar companies in Vermont, the cost of going solar in the state and how to save on system costs.
Updated:
Mar 13, 2024
Written by
Aniket Bhor
Aniket Bhor
Despite its small population, Vermont has a number of solar power companies serving residents. And the best solar companies in Vermont are SunPower, Sunrun and Green Mountain Solar.
We at the MarketWatch Guides Team shortlisted these solar installers after extensive surveys and discussions with industry experts and manufacturing and installation companies. In addition, we put each of the companies through our detailed methodology to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Below are our thoughts on the best companies in Vermont.
See our list of top solar providers based on in-depth research.
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Top 3 Solar Companies in Vermont of 2023
- Sunpower: Most experienced
- Sunrun: Our pick for leasing options
- Green Mountain Solar: Our pick for local expertise
SunPower
Our pick for most experience
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $24,000–$36,000
Sunrun Solar
Our pick for leasing options
Warranty 12 and 30 years
System Cost $20,000–$25,000
Green Mountain Solar
Our pick for local expertise
What To Look For in a Solar Company
The process of selecting a solar company that fits your needs can be taxing for homeowners who are new to solar. Here are some important points to keep in mind when looking for a solar installer.
Solar panels offer a high return on investment, but they’re not cheap. The high upfront cost of a solar system makes pricing a key consideration. You can find newer installers with notably inexpensive systems and highly reputed ones with higher pricing. The key is to optimize between cost, features and reputation.
Homeowners value trustworthy contractors for home upgrades. This is especially true with solar energy systems, given the cost of a system that’s expected to last 20 years or longer. You can check a solar company’s reputation by reviewing its Better Business Bureau rating and any customer reviews/complaints.
Few solar companies offer only solar panel installations. A company may provide other renewable energy or energy efficiency services such as energy audits, heat pumps, insulation upgrades and even roofing services. Before you seek an installer, list all the services you may want for your system.
Our Recommendation
Vermont may be a small state, but picking from its 69 solar companies may overwhelm homeowners. Based on our research, the best national solar companies in Vermont is Sunrun, while the best local installer is Green Mountain Solar.
Other notable solar companies in Vermont are Catamount Solar, AllEarth Renewables and Waterbury-based SunCommon, an official Tesla Powerwall installer. Before selecting an installer for your solar project, we recommend requesting quotes from multiple solar providers.
Compare Vermont Solar Companies
Going solar in Vermont can be a bit more expensive than most other places in the U.S. An average solar system in Vermont costs $3.01/W, which is slightly higher than the national average cost of $2.85/W. Below is the pricing of the best solar companies in Vermont.
| Provider | Our Score | Cost* | Years of Experience | BBB Rating* | Financing Options |
| SunPower | 4.8/5 | $24,000–$36,000 | 38 | A+ | Cash, loan, lease or PPA |
| Sunrun | 4.3/5 | $20,000–$25,000 | 15 | A- | Cash, loan or lease or PPA |
| Green Mountain Solar | 3.6/5 | N/A | 6 | A+ | Cash or loan |
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary. BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.
Benefits of Going Solar in Vermont
- Reduced electric bills: The most important benefit of solar panels is their ability to replace grid power and its costs with clean and virtually free solar power. At more than 20 cents per kWh, Vermont residents pay some of the highest prices for electricity in the country. But those prices mean Vermont residents save more when they go solar.
- Resilience against power outages: Besides saving money, solar energy systems provide remarkable energy independence and energy security to homeowners. This is particularly true in places where blackouts are common. A home solar system with a solar battery can keep the appliances in a house running even through a multi-day power outage. Vermont’s heavy snowfall often causes blackouts, and residents equipped with a solar system and a battery system get through blackouts with little inconvenience.
- Protection against rising power costs: Even though they’re already high, Vermont’s power costs are rising steadily. The year-over-year increases don’t make an immediate dent in homeowners’ budgets, but the cumulative effect costs them hundreds of extra dollars spent over the years. Solar power systems work on sunlight, which is free from wars, pandemics or infrastructure upgrade costs. Homeowners going solar can protect themselves against rising electricity rates.
- Environmental impact: Sunlight is one of the cleanest sources of power, unlike fossil-fuel-generated power, which gives off harmful emissions. Over the lifespan of a solar panel system, its clean energy generation can prevent thousands of pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the atmosphere, helping slow down the change in the Earth’s climate.
- Increased home value: Several studies outline that homes with solar panels sell for more money than comparable homes without solar. Home buyers are willing to pay more for a home that comes with a solar energy system because of the long-term savings and other benefits. Most installers permit the transfer of a system’s ownership and its warranties to new owners, saving a new homeowner the effort of finding an installer and getting the system installed.
Vermont Solar Incentives
Vermont lacks exceptional solar incentives and rebates. However, the few available federal and state incentives still can save homeowners thousands of dollars when purchasing a new system. Below is an overview of all the key solar incentives in Vermont.
Federal Incentives
Extended by the recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the federal tax credit is a tax incentive that allows solar panel buyers to deduct up to 30% of their system’s cost from their income taxes. Also known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), the incentive is available to American homeowners until 2032.
Statewide Incentives
| Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
| Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption | 100% of any property tax increases from installing solar | Solar power systems rated for less than 50 kW are exempt from Vermont’s statewide property tax. |
| Vermont Sales and Use Tax Exemption | 6% of the system’s purchase cost. | Solar power systems are exempt from sales tax in Vermont. |
| Net metering | Savings vary | Allows solar panel owners to send excess energy to the grid in exchange for energy bill credits. Credits are valued at a blended residential rate. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Vermont
Because of Vermont’s high electricity costs, homeowners can save substantial amounts of money over the lifetime of a solar power system. This makes going solar in Vermont clearly worth it.
The average cost of solar panel systems in the state of Vermont is $3.01 per watt. A typical 5 kW rooftop solar system can cost more than $15,000 before any incentives kick in.
SunPower is the largest national solar company operating in Vermont. Green Mountain Solar is one of the largest local installers in the state.
Founded in the 1980s, SunPower is the oldest solar installation company to offer installation services in Vermont.
