5 Best Solar Companies in Vermont (2023)
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Vermont’s beautiful natural landscape emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment. One way to do this is by converting your home to run on solar energy, which reduces your carbon footprint while saving you money on energy bills.
We researched the country’s best solar companies, analyzing product specifications and warranties and speaking to industry experts. We then narrowed down our choices to installers in the Green Mountain State. Our guide provides details about each company, plus tips for finding the right one for your needs.
Vermont’s Top Solar Energy Companies
These are the best solar companies in Vermont, according to our research and ranking methodology.
- SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
- Tesla: Best Solar Tech
- LGCY: Best Solar Consultation
- Green Mountain Solar: Best Local Vermont Installer
Compare Vermont solar installers quickly in our table below.
| Provider | Our Rating | Panel Types | Warranty | Financing Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SunPower |
4.8 out of 5 |
Monocrystalline (Maxeon) |
25-year components, workmanship, and production |
Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA |
|
Sunrun |
4.4 out of 5 |
Monocrystalline (Various) |
10-year product, roof penetration, and labor |
Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA |
|
Tesla |
4 out of 5 |
Monocrystalline (Q Cells) |
25-year performance, 10-year product and workmanship |
Full purchase, loan (in select areas) |
|
LGCY |
4.2 out of 5 |
Monocrystalline (Various) |
20-year product and 10-year workmanship |
Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA |
|
Green Mountain Solar |
4 out of 5 |
Monocrystalline (Various) |
25-year efficiency, manufacturer, and 12-year labor |
Full purchase, loan |
SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
SunPower creates some of the most efficient solar energy systems in the industry. Unlike many providers, it produces all of its components in-house, so each part is designed for optimal performance. Its high-efficiency panels are from Maxeon, its former manufacturing arm.
SunPower
Best High-Efficiency System
*All BBB scores are accurate as of June 2023.
Learn more: SunPower Review
Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
Going solar is a big investment, and not every homeowner wants to commit to owning a system. Solar leasing is an alternative that allows you to rent your panels for little to no money down. Sunrun offers unique leasing options, including 25 years of system servicing and monitoring plus theft insurance. However, note that leasing disqualifies you from solar tax incentives, such as the federal solar tax credit.
Sunrun
Best Solar Panel Leasing
Learn more: Sunrun Review
Tesla: Best Solar Tech
Tesla is known for its unique solar roof, which uses small solar shingles that mimic traditional roofing and blend in better with your home. The panels are durable and withstand temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The company also offers traditional solar panels and its popular solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall.
Tesla Solar
Best Solar Tech
Learn more: Tesla Solar Review
LGCY: Best Solar Consultation
LGCY Power provides a thorough solar consultation. The company sends both an energy consultant and site surveyor to your home to examine your roof and existing electrical system. The team will discuss your preferences and detail how they’ll design your system. We recommend LGCY for Vermont homeowners who want up-front, transparent information.
LGCY Power
Best Solar Consultation
Green Mountain Solar: Best Local Vermont Installer
Green Mountain Solar is headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont. It was launched as an affiliate of the successful Granite State Solar based in New Hampshire and has a stellar reputation in New England, as well as a wide selection of solar energy brands and above-average warranty coverage.
Solar Incentives in Vermont
Vermont offers multiple solar tax rebates and incentives to make going solar more affordable. Here are some of the key incentives Vermonters can benefit from.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
All homeowners who own their solar panels qualify for the federal tax credit. This program provides a tax credit equal to 30% of your solar installation costs. It also applies to stand-alone solar battery installation. The federal tax credit is not a rebate or cash payment. Instead, it helps to reduce or eliminate any owed federal taxes at tax time.
Net-Metering in Vermont
Net-metering is a billing policy that lets you reduce your energy bills by sending excess energy your system generates to the power grid. Contracts vary based on how much power your solar panels produce and your local utility company’s rate. Green Mountain Power has the top net-metering program in Vermont.
Other State Solar Rebates
Here are some smaller tax incentives you can use to lower costs.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program: Popular energy company Green Mountain Power awards up to $10,500 to qualifying applicants who purchase a solar battery.
- Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption: The Vermont Department of Taxes prevents you from paying the state’s 6% sales tax on solar equipment.
- Renewable Energy System Property Tax Exemption: Installing a solar energy system boosts your home value, which typically comes with increased property taxes. However, Vermont’s property tax exemption eliminates these additional taxes.
What To 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
You can follow these easy steps to get a solar quote in Vermont. The process typically only takes a few minutes.
- Contact the solar company: Contact the solar company online or by phone. We spoke with a representative who verified we were eligible for solar and that the installer serviced our area. You’ll need to provide your address for confirmation. Then, you’ll set up a time for a consultation either in-person or virtually so the company can begin the design process.
- Assess your energy needs: During your consultation, you’ll provide your monthly energy bills to help determine your needed system size and power. We recommend having at least three months of statements handy for your consultation to account for seasonal fluctuations.
- Review your home design and roof space: A company representative will assess your roof space and condition and recommend any required repairs or updates. A virtual consultation may use satellite imaging to assess your home design, but the results can be less accurate.
- Build your project: The solar company will provide a final, itemized quote with a detailed inventory of all required equipment. You can add solar batteries or electric vehicle chargers to your system if your installer offers them. Review your quote for pricing and warranty information. You’ll also discuss available financing options and local solar incentives during this step.
Our Conclusion
SunPower is our top-recommended solar company in Vermont. It offers some of the most efficient solar systems available, guaranteeing long-term performance and energy savings. We also like that it uses in-house components to create a streamlined system designed for peak production.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to compare products, warranties, and additional services.
Other Vermont Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in VT
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
The This Old House Reviews Team is 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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.