Vermont’s lush green landscapes highlight the importance of protecting the environment, and solar panels offer a great way to do so. A home solar panel system reduces your carbon footprint and helps decrease your energy bills. We’ve researched solar providers across the country, considering factors such as services, experience, and warranties, to bring you our top solar companies for Vermont.
Compare the Best Solar Companies in Vermont
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25–30 years | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
Vermont’s Top Solar Energy Companies
These are the best solar companies in Vermont, according to our research and ranking methodology.
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Venture Solar: Best Northeast Regional Installer
- Solar Energy World: Best East Coast Installer
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in Vermont
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.
Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.
How We Scored Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
- Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
State Availability
Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington
Reputation and Reviews
Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.
Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.
Venture Solar
Venture Solar specializes in installing systems that are perfectly symmetrical and have no visible wiring or mounting devices. This design provides a simple, stylish look tailored to your roof’s appearance. Additionally, Venture offers comprehensive financing options similar to Sunrun, making solar energy more accessible to homeowners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides transparent information about its financing options online
- Includes remote monitoring
- Includes a 25-year roof and system warranty with all panel systems
Cons
- Requires your phone number to submit an online quote
- Reviews mention mixed experiences with customer support
- Doesn’t work with power purchase agreement
How We Scored Venture Solar
Venture earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. It gained most of its points due to its flexible financing options paired with an in-house financing department. It also provides plenty of solar services to match most customers’ wants and needs, though it lost points for lacking roofing services, energy audits, and EV charger installations.
- Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Venture offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring. The company lost points in this category because it doesn’t provide EV chargers, solar roof installation services, energy audits, and roof repairs.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (25 out of 25 points): The company features excellent warranty perks with 25 years on labor, products, and performance. It also includes roof leak protection.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Venture has a great reputation. It features high ratings on its BBB profile with an accreditation and no active issues like lawsuits.
- Financing Options (14 out of 15 points): Venture provides financing options through an in-house financing team and works with every payment method except PPAs.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): The company holds only eight years of experience in the solar industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): Venture has a limited service area of only three states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Venture offers a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, products, and power output.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
State Availability
Available in: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
Reputation and Reviews
Venture has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB profile. According to customer reviews, the company provides high-quality workmanship on its solar panel systems and good customer support. However, some customers have raised concerns about the pricing and quoting process. They found it confusing to determine the total cost of their system and experienced frequent back-and-forth over pricing.
Some customers also noted that Venture focuses on premium products, leading to higher pricing even when unnecessary. We found several Reddit threads discussing Venture where other solar customers and installers mentioned similar experiences.
Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.
Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands
- Includes free active monitoring
- Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers
Cons
- Reviews mention communication issues with staff
- Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand
- Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee
How We Scored Solar Energy World
SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
- Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department.
- Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
- State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
State Availability
Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia
Reputation and Reviews
The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.
The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.
Sunrun
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a unique insurance plan for system damage and theft
- Includes free maintenance on leased solar panels
- Provides 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Offers a shorter warranty to full purchase and loan customers
- Heavily promotes solar leases, which can negatively impact your return on investment
- Has received negative customer reviews regarding poor customer service
Why We Chose Sunrun
Sunrun is ideal for homeowners looking to install solar panels on a new home. Its BuilderChoice New Homes Program prioritizes code compliance and provides a dedicated team to handle your project’s building and permitting paperwork. Sunrun also provides excellent long-term protection, as you can opt for equipment damage and theft insurance.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Sunrun offers a 10-year warranty for system components, roof penetration, and workmanship to full purchase and loan customers. Leasing customers receive a 25-year warranty with insurance protection for theft and damage.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
Reputation and Awards
DroneDeploy awarded Sunrun with the 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for using drone technology for its site assessments. The company received 14 awards from Comparably in 2021 and 2022, including Best Company Culture, Best CEOs for Diversity, and Best Company for Women.
Learn more: Sunrun Review
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Vermont?
Vermont is a national leader in renewable energy. The Green Mountain State offers multiple solar incentive programs, including some of the best net metering benefits in the country, to make renewable system ownership more affordable. Here are some of the top incentives available to Vermont residents.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The federal solar tax credit is one of the largest incentives available to Vermont residents making the switch to solar power. It’s a 30% tax credit that applies to your total system installation cost plus solar battery costs. Some solar users spread out their federal tax credit over the 20-year carryover period to reduce their tax liability over multiple years.
Net Metering in Vermont
Net metering lets solar users sell their excess electricity back to the grid through their utility company. You receive bill credits for this power, which can reduce your monthly utility bill. Vermont boasts some of the best net metering benefits, allowing homeowners to get the most savings out of their solar systems. You can get some of the best benefits if you’re serviced by Green Mountain Power, Vermont’s largest electric utility company.
Other State Solar Rebates
Here are a few other Vermont solar incentives:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program: This program provides up to $10,500 in incentives to customers with eligible batteries who agree to participate in demand response events. These events reduce energy use at peak times. Green Mountain Power (GMP) customers can use the BYOD program when connecting their battery storage system to a solar array.
- Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption: Vermont exempts solar panel systems up to 500 kW of capacity from the state’s 6% sales tax. Note that the home solar system sales exemption doesn’t cover solar batteries.
- Renewable Energy System Property Tax Exemption: Vermont provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential renewable energy systems to encourage renewable energy adoption. This exemption applies to the value added to your property by eligible renewable energy systems, including solar panels, wind turbines, and even micro hydropower systems.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
There’s a lot of information to sift through to find the right solar provider for your needs. Here are some things to consider when comparing solar panel companies.
Solar Services
We suggest looking for companies that offer additional services beyond just solar panel installation. Many companies also install solar batteries or provide system monitoring for ongoing support. These additional services show the company is committed to ensuring you get the most from your solar system and will treat your project as a long-term investment.
Warranties
A quality solar provider will include a 25-year equipment warranty. Solar panels last an average of 25 years, so this ensures they’re covered throughout their lifetime. We recommend looking for providers that also include 25-year manufacturer (or product) warranties and workmanship coverage. Some solar installers include power performance guarantees that promise a certain level of power output for a particular time frame.
Payment Options
If you have the up-front capital or a great credit score, we recommend purchasing solar panels in cash or taking out a solar loan. These options offer the best return on investment (ROI) because they make you the system owner and qualify you for federal and state solar incentives.
Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) offer fewer financial advantages because the solar company remains the system owner. This means you can’t qualify for solar incentives.
Customer Support
Consider solar companies that provide various ways to contact customer support, including phone, email, and an online chat or service form. Also, check if the company offers emergency repairs or ongoing system maintenance.
Offering educational materials online, such as an online blog or videos, is a sign that a company cares about keeping its customers knowledgeable and informed.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Vermont
Here’s how to get a solar quote in Vermont:
- Reach out to a solar company: Start by contacting a solar installer either online or by phone. They’ll verify your location and schedule a consultation to begin designing your system.
- Review your roof space: The solar company will assess your roof’s size and condition, recommending any repairs if needed.
- Assess your energy needs: Prepare your energy bills to help determine your system size. We’d recommend at least three months’ worth to capture any seasonal shifts.
- Review your quote: The solar company will provide an itemized quote that includes equipment, financing options, and potential incentives to help you save.
Our Conclusion
Sunrun is our top-recommended solar company in Vermont. It offers a variety of financing options and an easy solar installation process. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to compare products, warranties, and additional services.
Other Vermont Home Service Resources
- Home Warranty Vermont
- Pet Insurance Vermont
- Moving Companies Vermont
FAQs About Solar Companies in Vermont
Are solar panels worth it in Vermont?
Solar panels are worth it in Vermont due to the state’s various tax incentives and quality net-metering programs. The state’s mild weather conditions also help solar panels perform optimally.
What is the sales tax on solar in Vermont?
There is no sales tax on solar in Vermont. The state has a sales tax exemption for residential solar power and solar water heating (SWH) systems.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Solar panels only need maintenance two to four times per year, but check your solar company’s manual for specific maintenance instructions. Fall and spring are good times to perform maintenance work because of the mild weather conditions.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.