Best 4 Solar Companies in Burlington, VT

Burlington homeowners are intentional about conserving resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar companies for their homes. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. A skilled solar contractor can help you install and optimize a system that fulfills your energy needs without being too expensive. On this page, we'll highlight Burlington's top solar contractors and share insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Burlington solar companies.

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Burlington community for over 15 years.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Burlington solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Burlington Homeowners?

The state of Vermont offers multiple solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Burlington

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these aspects in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Vermont has a Solar System Specialist license for solar water heater installers. These license-holders can install and repair preheating or auxiliary solar devices up to specific advanced limits. For solar PV installations, contractor licensing requirements only apply to public buildings. Solar installers can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington

Your solar panels' style will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Burlington. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Burlington

Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Burlington.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy