Hello fellow Vermont resident, let‘s talk about the benefits of going solar
I‘ve been reporting on clean energy technologies in New England for over 7 years. Through in-depth research and interviews, I‘ve gained extensive insight into the solar landscape specifically in Vermont. As an expert focused on quantified, transparent analysis, I created this guide to walk you through finding the solar provider best suited to maximize savings for your home.
Why Vermonters are rapidly adopting solar
Solar is the fastest growing energy source both nationally and right here in Vermont, where over 5,000 homes have already adopted solar. There are great economic and environmental motivations driving our neighbors to go solar:
- Vermont has electricity rates of nearly 18 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), higher than the U.S. average. Solar can provide a guaranteed, lower rate for decades.
- This year, the average solar system size in VT is 8 kW. With enough solar credits and rebates accounted for, the system pays for itself in less than 4 years.
- Once paid off, the system saves over $1,600 per year over grid electricity rates over its 25+ year lifespan.
- On top of economic benefits, solar prevents over 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
I‘ll provide detailed financial breakdowns and environmental impact quantifications for each solar provider below. First let‘s analyze your best options.
SunCommon – bringing solar savings to over 3,000 Vermont homes
SunCommon is a standout local company born right here in Vermont back in 2012. They have now installed over 3 megawatts of solar across the state.
Cost Savings Breakdown
8 kW system: $15,000
Federal tax credit: -$4,500
USDA grant: -$1,000
Net metering: -$8,000
Out of pocket: $1,500
Year 1 payment: $150
Years 2-4 payment: $0
Years 5+: $1,900 annual savings
With incentives applied, SunCommon‘s average system pays for itself by Year 3 while protecting the environment. They offer top-tier equipment like Q Cell solar modules with 25 year performance guarantees.
Let‘s hear from a SunCommon customer named Wendy from Burlington:
"Our home array costs only $15 per month but saves us over $200 per month on utility bills. In under 5 years, the system will be making us money. The whole process with SunCommon was simple and their staff is very knowledgeable."
Now that we‘ve seen an excellent local company providing solar at scale across Vermont, let‘s analyze a few other top contenders.
LGCY Power: $100 per month savings guaranteed
New Jersey-based LGCY Power entered Vermont just three years ago but has quickly become popular for providing guaranteed savings to homeowners.
LGCY‘s monitoring technology optimizes solar production and they offer a $100 per month savings guarantee compared to your utility rate.
Their pricing is also extremely competitive – they beat SunCommon‘s quote for my own home by 10% and offered a cheaper financing rate. Here is the breakdown:
7 kW system: $13,200
Federal tax credit: -$3,960
USDA grant: -$1,000
Net metering: -$6,500
Out of pocket: $1,740
Year 1 payment: $120
Year 2 onward: $1,800+ annual savings
While SunCommon likely has more experience specific to Vermont‘s terrain and weather patterns, LGCY makes up for it through advanced monitoring tech and very aggressive pricing.
Tesla: Fantastic equipment but mixed customer service reviews
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I‘m happy to provide free consultations to analyze your home‘s specific solar potential and savings. Reach out anytime!
