The 5 Best Solar Companies in Vermont To Save You Money

Overview

As a green-focused state, Vermont offers homeowners lucrative financial incentives making solar energy affordable while upholding their environmental values. With exponential growth in solar and over 30 active installing firms statewide, this guide compares the top 5 providers based on experience, product quality and financing options to determine the best company for you – whether you prioritize cost savings from optimized state incentives, maximum system efficiencies or superior warranties. Read on to pick your perfect solar partner.

The Vast Solar Potential in Vermont

While not the sunniest state, Vermont has ideal policies like net metering along with abundant tax credits that have spurred solar expansion.

In fact, over the last 5 years the amount of solar energy produced annually has grown over 1700% according to data from the Vermont Energy Action Network. Their projections show this rapid growth continuing:

With solar offsetting the state‘s fossil fuel usage, Vermont reduced CO2 emissions by nearly 34,000 metric tons in 2021 alone – equivalent to removing over 7,300 gas-powered cars off the roads.

Additionally, the VERMONT SOLAR PATHWAYS initiative has set a goal to meet 25% of the state‘s entire electricity needs with in-state solar by 2025.

Beyond the environmental motivations, converting to solar offers Vermont residents five key money saving benefits:

1. Eliminate Electric Bills – Net metering credits from excess solar energy cover your existing electric costs
2. Federal Tax Credit – Reduce system cost by 30% using the uncapped federal credit
3. Property Tax Exemption – Avoid increased property taxes from home improvements
4. Added Home Value – Solar systems boost resale values by over $15,000 in Vermont
5. Backup Power – With batteries, solar panels provide power resilience

Clearly, with revenues lost from oil and coal decline, traditional energy firms are ramping up efforts to obstruct solar growth and reduce financial incentives. By locking in savings from Vermont‘s current solar policies, homeowners can guarantee themselves decades of predictable, low cost clean energy.

Decoding Solar Incentives in Vermont

To help you maximize long-term savings by capturing all available solar incentives in Vermont, here is a bit more detail explaining the policies and programs available:

Federal Solar Tax Credit

The most lucrative incentive, this non-refundable 30% credit on your federal taxes reduces the gross cost of solar panel equipment and installation services.

For a $15,000 solar system, this would amount to $4,500 off your federal tax burden.

There are no income limits or maximums on the credit amount, and it extends through 2032 with a phase down schedule.

Net Metering

As you generate surplus solar energy during peak sun hours, net metering allows transferring those kilowatt hours (kWh) back to the grid to offset the power drawn at night.

During months when your system produces excess energy, this spins your meter backwards reducing bills. Most utilities cap the credit roll over period to 12 months.

Net metering valuation and rules can differ slightly between Vermont‘s 10+ utility providers.

Property Tax Exemption

While boosting the value of your home, installing solar panels or roof tiles technically counts as a taxable home improvement.

Vermont waives this added property tax liability to incentivize solar projects. The exemption stays with the property for 10 years after installation.

Using all these credits together, Vermonters could save over 50% off their solar power investments while locking in decades of future electric bill reductions.

Choosing Your Solar Installer

With so many factors impacting affordability and system performance, picking the right installer for your needs matters.

Here are five of the top options based on VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION solar program data and other consumer research sources:

1. SunPower: Maximum System Efficiency

With over 35 years perfecting solar technology and owning their complete panel manufacturing process, SunPower modules lead the industry for efficiency with over 25% effectiveness converting sunlight to electricity.

Their high density panel design squeezes more cells into a smaller surface using a patented rear-contact panel technology. This allows full residential energy loads to be offset with fewer panels.

For homeowners wanting maximum energy production from limited roof space in Vermont‘s low solar resource areas, SunPower is the premium solution.

Beyond state-of-the-art panels, key benefits include:

• Custom System Design Services
• 25 Year Warranty; 92% Production Guarantee
• Integrated SunPower Equinox® Battery Storage
• Leasing/PPA Options; Pay Little-to-None Upfront

Of all Vermont solar installers, SunPower‘s advanced technology, reliability and production guarantees give peace of mind your system will perform. Their experience also proves invaluable optimizing available tax credit savings.

With superior equipment does come a cost premium – SunPower tends to have higher upfront pricing than competitors. Thus budget-focused shoppers may prefer more value-based options covered next.

2. Green Mountain Solar: Optimizing Incentives

A local installer based in South Burlington, VT, Green Mountain Solar sets themselves apart with solar finance expertise to maximize state incentives and guide customers seamlessly through the entire process – from initial energy analysis to final paperwork and approvals.

Their two decades serving Vermont has honed knowledge of intricate policy and utility billing nuances needed to minimize costs. They also simplify system options offering inclusive package solutions for rapid installs rather than overly customized projects.

Beyond superior advisory on credits, buyers will appreciate Green Mountain‘s:

• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Complete Solar Heating Solutions
• Partnership with Local Credit Union for Affordable Financing Options & Cash Rebates

For residents prioritizing leveraging Vermont‘s solar rebates and bills credits over cutting edge solar tech, Green Mountain Solar delivers ultimate value.

3. SunCommon: The Sustainable Choice

The first Certified B Corporation or ‘B-Corp‘ solar provider in Vermont, SunCommon‘s headquarters in Waterbury showcases their commitment to environmental best practices through the entire business lifecycle – from transparent employee compensation, equitable hiring policies and sustainable supply chain guidelines right down to their green office policies and rigorous installer training protocols.

And while their panels may cost moderately more upfront than basic import modules, SunCommon vets and selects only highest grade equipment, leading to enhanced system outputs and longevity.

Their experienced team guides homeowners through equipment options not just for your needs today, but optimal configurations benefiting from advancing technologies down the road – such as attaching EV charging outlets during initial installations.

For customers weighing ecology impacts equally with economic returns, SunCommon is the model steward blending sustainability with solar education.

4. Tesla: Award-Winning Design

The EV pioneer also captures the solar market with their beautifully designed solar glass roof tiles nearly indistinguishable from conventional materials but without compromise on durability or lifetime power production.

Tesla‘s integrated approach includes their Powerwall battery packs allowing solar energy storage for overnight or backup purposes. Real-time monitoring provides insights into your system‘s performance.

While Tesla is known for premium touches, their complete in-house installation process creates pricing efficiencies from process optimization, making their estimates very competitive.

For homeowners seeking a beautifully seamless solar integration improving aesthetics and
functionality, Tesla delivers. The company does limit customization and loan options currently however.

5. LGCY Power: White Glove Service

The newest solar firm on this list, LGCY makes customer experience their differentiator.

They assign a single point of contact Guide to hold your hand from initial solar assessment through to long-term maintenance guidance. Their Portal Dashboard allows real-time system monitoring and output tracking.

While LGCY provides proprietary financing and pre-approval options, they are less transparent with overall system pricing upfront compared to rivals. But buyers prioritizing education and service will find their model appealing.

In summary, all five of these top Vermont solar providers make rooftop solar viable thanks to policy incentives – but each takes a unique approach showcasing their strengths based on your motivation for going solar:

Now that you understand both the benefits of solar and distinctions among top Vermont providers, reach out for personalized quotes to find your perfect match. Every Vermonter has motivation for meeting their energy needs more sustainably while controlling costs – whether environmental or economic. By selecting the right partner upfront matching your renewal energy priorities, you can rest easy knowing your family and finances are cared for into the bright future powered by the sun.