Vermont solar panels: The complete guide in 2024

Data updated Dec 3, 2024

Written by: Emily Walker

Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 10.51 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Vermont, which will cost you about $20,951 after the federal tax credit.

Cost for an average system in Vermont


Out of pocket cost, cash
$29,930
Federal tax credit (30%)
- $8,979
Price post tax credit
$20,951

25-year savings $39,614
Payback period 10 Years
Electricity offset 101%
Live data powered by

As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).

See your solar savings

Compare multiple offers and save up to 20%

Please enter a five-digit zip code.

Going solar in Vermont

Vermont is better known for its skiing than its sunshine, but it's still a great state for solar energy. With the state's high electricity prices and pretty good incentives, going solar makes sense for many Vermonters. 

In Vermont, you'll have access to net metering and solar tax exemptions––and, of course, the 30% federal solar tax credit. 

Here's our guide to getting solar panels in the Green Mountain State.

Cost

How much do solar panels cost in Vermont?

Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Vermont homeowner needs a 10.51 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $29,930 before incentives. Prices range from $25,440 to $34,420, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%. 

While this looks expensive, it will pay off in Vermont. That's why over 3,300 Vermont homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 10.07 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.

There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront. 

  • Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it upfront. This provides the best long-term savings. 

  • Solar loan: Allows you to retain ownership of your system, while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal: If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options – private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.

  • Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These generally provide the lowest savings and generate the most negative press about solar. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.

Solar panels on a house

Incentives

What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Vermont?

Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Vermont. Here are the major ones to know about:

Incentive
Average savings in Vermont
Description

Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC)

$8,979

Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30%

Vermont solar sales tax exemption

6% of your system costs

You don't need to pay any sales tax on new solar panel systems in Vermont, saving at least 6% of your system costs.

Vermont solar property tax exemption

1.59% of your system's value, annually on average

If you use solar energy as a source of power, you won't need to pay tax on the value your solar panels add to your property.

Is net metering available in Vermont?

In some states, you'll earn bill credits from your utility company when your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels. 

All Vermont utilities offer net metering, so make sure to take advantage while it's still available! 

Check out all the details on net metering in Vermont or learn about its biggest utility's program below:

A house with rooftop solar panels connected to the grid

Equipment

Equipment quality

Each year, solar panels get more and more efficient—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2024, the most popular solar panels can produce about 400 watts of electricity when they’re in full sunlight. If you want to make the most of your roof’s solar potential, get panels with at least that much power output.  

You should also make sure to select a solar inverter setup that makes sense for your roof’s layout. 

And if you want or need a solar battery, be sure to pick one that can integrate cleanly with that inverter. 

Premium equipment can come with a high price tag, but it will often save you more money in the long run. The best equipment tends to have the best warranty terms, often guaranteed to 25 years (sometimes even 40!), so you’re covered in case you need repairs or replacements. The highest-quality panels also degrade more slowly, so they’ll maintain more of their power output further into the future. 

See our list of the best solar panels

Companies

Who are the best solar installers in Vermont?

We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Vermont:

resources

Top solar resources for Vermont

Real homes. Real savings.

Helping customers make informed decisions since 2009.

Discover whole-home electrification
Home solar
rooftop solar icon

Create your own clean energy with solar panels.

Community solar
community solar icon

Enjoy the benefits of solar without rooftop panels.

Heating & cooling
Heat pump icon

Explore heat pumps, the latest in clean heating & cooling technology.