Solar energy shines on the green mountains of Vermont

The state of solar in Vermont

At 150 days of sunshine per year, Vermont spends less than half its year under sunny skies. Be that as it may, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranks the state an impressive third in the nation^*ACEEE, State Scorecard Rank (accessed July 21, 2021). https://database.aceee.org/state-scorecard-rank for its energy efficiency policy and program efforts. As 76% of Vermont’s buildings are solar viable,^*Google, Project Sunroof (accessed July 21, 2021). https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJ_87aSGzctEwRtGtUNnSJTSY/ the state is poised to make the most of those sunny days through its solid incentives, requirements, and policies.

How much solar energy does Vermont produce?

Vermont’s solar installations in megawatts, rank 31st in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).^*SEIA, Vermont (accessed July 21, 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/vermont-solar Solar energy provides nearly 15% of the state's electricity and can power 69,026 homes. Vermont has over 9K solar installations, notably the PSEG Essex Solar Energy Center and 1 MW, Main Street Solar Project. A list of other noteworthy solar installations is available on SEIA’s website.^*SEIA, Major Solar Projects (accessed July 21, 2021). https://www.seia.org/research-resources/major-solar-projects-list

What are the advantages of going solar in Vermont?

Statistics published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) show that as of April 2021, Vermont generates the least amount of electricity of all U.S. states, ranking 50th. The main advantage here in Vermont is that energy independence for consumers and businesses is within reach.

The best solar panels can generate electricity for over 40 years. In the first 25 years, a solar system saves homeowners around $20K on energy bills. Other benefits associated with harnessing sunlight for electricity are a reduction in CO2 levels, better air quality, and the creation of local jobs in an ever-expanding industry.

How much does solar cost in Vermont?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include the:

• Angle of the roof

• Household’s energy needs

• Roof space

• Quality of the solar system's panels and parts

• Weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Vermont, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,900 to $15,200, or in other words, from $2.98 to $3.04 per watt, and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

What to consider when going solar in Vermont

Vermont offers nearly 70 policy and incentive programs for solar energy. Enhancing these programs is a national trend of prices dropping for solar panels. In Vermont, they’ve dropped 43%^*SEIA, Vermont (accessed July 21, 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/vermont-solar since 2016. As with other states, Vermont’s solar build-out ranges from residential installs to large solar farms.

The Vermont Energy Act of 2011^*Green Energy Times, Governor to Sign the Vermont Energy Act (May 23, 2011). codified practical rules to help with the growing popularity of tapping the sun’s energy in the state. It established rules for net metering and streamlined the permitting process for systems less than 5 kW, a process that had previously contributed to delays and added up to 20% to the cost of an installation. With net metering, if your solar system produces more electricity than you can use, you can send that excess back to the grid for a credit.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change.

Compared to the rest of the U.S, Vermont receives a below-average amount of sunshine. BestPlaces.com gives it a comfort index^*Best Places, Vermont (accessed July 21, 2021). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/vermont of 6 out of 10. Solar panels in Vermont must remain functional and intact through 86 inches of snow per year, single-digit temperatures, and 43 inches of rain annually.

What's the best way to go solar in Vermont?

Sunshine is a clean energy resource that won’t ever run out. And while that’s awe-inspiring, don’t lose sight of the fact that solar installations vary in quality, appearance, and durability. So be sure to do your best to make the right choice as you find a contractor who is licensed, experienced and reputable.

Consulting with a professional can help guide you through the important decisions you’ll encounter in finding a design that meets your budget, property, and energy needs. A premium solar system from an established provider will stand the test of time.

Your professional installer can also design a custom solar system that can raise your property’s value. The right solar energy professional will also ensure that you take advantage of every rebate and incentive available so you can save the maximum amount on installation costs.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re happy to help. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower below and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.