Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Vermont (2024 Reviews)

In this guide to choosing a reliable solar provider in Vermont, you’ll learn:

  • What are the best solar panel installation companies that service Vermont?
  • Are there ways to save money when choosing a solar installer in Vermont?
  • Is it a good idea to install your own solar panel system in Vermont?
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Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

What Are Vermont’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies?

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) notes that there are 39 solar installation companies that are based in Vermont, plus national and regional installers that service the state. That means you’ll have your work cut out for you if you want to choose the one that’s best suited for your particular solar project and fits into your budget.

We’ve done most of the research for you to save you some time and effort. Below is a list of what we believe are the best solar system installers you should consider in Vermont:

You can get more information about each of these companies by clicking on the drop-down menus below.

Badge icon

SunCommon

Outstanding Social Impact

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Certified B Corp
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Many years of experience

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Expensive
Badge icon

Green Mountain Solar

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Locally owned and operated
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Great warranty coverage

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Relatively young company
Badge icon

PlugPV

Outstanding Workmanship

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Outstanding workmanship
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Expansive service area

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Relatively young company
  • Low BBB rating
Badge icon

Catamount Solar

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Gives 5% of annual profit back to the community
  • Locally owned and operated

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited service area
  • Low BBB rating

Watch Below: How Well Will Your Solar Panels Still Work When Covered In Snow?

How Can You Save Money When Hiring A Solar Company In Vermont

The per-watt price for solar equipment in VT is about $0.26 higher than the national average, hovering around $3.59. However, the energy needs in the state are so low that most residents only need a 6 kilowatt (kW) system to offset energy consumption. This is a significantly smaller system than what most Americans need — 9 kW on average.

As such, the all-in cost to convert to solar in Vermont is around $21,540, which is about $8,000 less than the U.S. average. Still, this is prohibitively expensive for many residents, so most will still look for ways to save money on their systems. Below are some tips we recommend exploring to save, and we’ll explain these in greater detail further down.

  • Take advantage of Vermont’s solar benefit programs
  • Invest in high-quality, high-efficiency panels
  • Get multiple free quotes for your system

Take All the Tax Credits You Can

The easiest way to save money when converting to solar power is to take advantage of the tax credits, rebates and other incentives afforded to you in VT. This single tip alone can often save you thousands of dollars on your system. We’ll include a list of all of the perks available in Vermont in the table below, along with a brief description of each.

Solar Benefit Program Program Description
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) This is a tax credit in the amount of 30% of your entire system cost, including panels, inverters and batteries. This credit averages out to $6,462 in Vermont. This credit gets applied to your income taxes owed for one to five years after you convert to solar power.
Renewable Energy Systems Sales Tax Exemption The State of Vermont waives all sales tax on solar equipment to help keep upfront costs down. Given the state sales tax rate of 6% and the average system cost of $21,540, this perk saves an average of just over $1,292.3
Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar This is a property tax exemption that keeps your taxes from going up from solar conversion, even though installing photovoltaic (PV) equipment boosts your home value.
Net Metering Net metering is mandated by the Vermont Public Service Commission (PSC) for all public utilities. They each must credit excess solar production sent to the power grid using a blended rate, which is just below the retail rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This program helps maximize your long-term energy savings, especially since the per-kWh electricity rate in VT is so high.
Local Incentives VT provides access to some rebate programs for energy-efficiency equipment. However, there are no programs available for PV conversions, specifically.

You can get more information on these perks and learn how much they can save you by heading over to our guide to Vermont solar benefit programs.

Choose a Panel Brand With a High Efficiency Rating

Next, we recommend you choose an installer that offers highly-efficient, tier-one solar panel brands. Some brands that work well in Vermont include:

  • SunPower/Maxeon
  • Tesla
  • REC
  • Canadian Solar
  • Panasonic
  • Qcells
  • Trina Solar

High-efficiency panels are necessary in the Green Mountain State for offsetting energy bills because sunlight is in short supply. Residents see just 167 sunny days per year, which is far fewer than the national average of 205.

High-efficiency panels make the most of the sunlight that is available and help move you closer to eliminating your above-average energy bills in VT. They’re usually more costly upfront, but can make your solar conversion project in Vermont worth the investment in most cases.

Get a Few Free Quotes for Your System

Finally, we recommend you get a free quote from a few companies to compare them based on cost and the value provided for that price. Every installer in your area will quote a different price for your solar energy system based on different equipment brands available and labor costs.

Shopping around can help you find the best value or the lowest upfront price, whichever is more important to you.

See Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value In Vermont?

Yes! Converting to solar almost always boosts your home value. In fact, estimates from Zillow indicate that your property value will increase by an average of 4.1% when you install your PV equipment.4 In VT, where home values average around $385,968, that’s a significant increase of over $15,824.5

Vermont is a relatively eco-friendly state as a whole, but there are a few cities where solar has become especially popular. For example, Burlington has such a high solar adoption rate that it became the first city in the country to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.6

Other green cities where solar is more widely accepted and, therefore, valuable include:

  • Rutland
  • Brattleboro
  • Montpelier
  • Stowe
  • Shelburn

Should Vermont Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?

solar panels on a house roof

Hiring a professional solar installation company to install your PV system in VT is expensive, usually totaling around $21,540. Completing a DIY solar installation will cost far less, on average, typically hovering between $8,000 and $15,000. DIY installations seem appealing on a cost basis, but there are some significant downsides you should consider before diving in.

In VT, these include:

  • DIY panels having significantly lower efficiency ratings
  • DIY brands coming with less attractive warranty coverage
  • DIY installations being more prone to roof leaks and other issues

We’ll discuss why these problems are so severe in Vermont and why each can cost you more than you’d save on a DIY installation in the sections below.

DIY Panels Aren’t as Efficient

The first major downside to DIYing your solar energy solution is that the panel brands available aren’t nearly as efficient. They usually have efficiencies between 15% and 18%, while professional panels average above 20% and edge close to 23%.

While these differences might seem minimal, the power output difference between the two is massive. Efficiency is especially crucial in VT, where the sunlight is in short supply, and the energy prices are well above average.

Even a slightly less efficient panel brand could mean a difference of thousands of dollars in lifetime energy savings. As such, we strongly believe paying more for a professional system will pay off over time.

DIY Panels Have Less Appealing Warranty Coverage

Second, the DIY panel brands almost always come with shorter warranties or none at all.

Professional systems usually include 25 years of coverage for the equipment, 25 years for the power production and ten years for labor. DIY brands often include just 15 years for the equipment and ten years for power production, and they don’t include a labor warranty at all.

In VT, a lengthy power production guarantee can pay for itself, even if it’s expensive, by guaranteeing your panels continue to offset the high energy rates in the area. The workmanship warranty is also helpful for ensuring your system is installed properly and isn’t subject to roof leaks under the excessive snowfall in Vermont.

Roof Leaks Are More Common When You Install Your Panels Yourself

On that note, DIYers are more likely to make errors during the installation process, which can be dangerous. Roof leaks are one of the most common problems solar customers run into, and the resulting water damage can cost you thousands of dollars, depending on the severity.

Since DIYers don’t have the same experience that professional installers do, you’re more likely to run into expensive roof leaks if you install your panels yourself. You’ll save $5,000 to $10,000 on average, but you won’t have the same peace of mind and could end up having to pay for repairs and panel replacement, which could offset those savings.

What Should Vermont Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?

Choosing a solar installer can be a time-consuming process, but there are a few things we recommend looking for in a solar panel company to ensure you get the service and equipment you need in VT. These include:

  • A good PV panel selection
  • Robust warranty coverage
  • Local experience

We’ll explain why we believe these things are so important in VT, specifically, in the sections below.

High-Quality Panel Brands

The first thing we recommend looking for in an installer is a selection of the best solar panel brands. As mentioned above, Vermonters see well below the average number of sunny days per year, which means solar customers have to make the most out of the sun that does hit their panels.

A PV panel with a high efficiency can do just that and is most likely to offset the above-average energy prices in the area. Some brands that work well in VT include Maxeon, Tesla, REC, Qcells, Canadian Solar and Panasonic.

Robust Warranty Coverage

Next, we suggest looking for a company that offers lengthy warranty coverage. The best-case scenario is an installer that offers solar warranty coverage for the equipment, the power production and the workmanship.

While all of these are great to have, we suggest prioritizing the labor and efficiency warranties. Labor guarantees help ensure your panels are installed properly and remain at low risk of roof leaks and other problems. Efficiency guarantees help make sure your panels continue to provide sufficient power for your home, even in the low-sun conditions in Vermont.

Years of Experience in VT

Finally, we suggest prioritizing companies that have at least five years of experience working in Vermont, specifically. The demand for solar in the Green Mountain State is high, which means there are quite a few companies that have popped up in recent years to turn a profit.

Historically, new installers are more likely to go out of business and void your warranties in the process. Experienced companies are also more likely to understand your power needs as a VT resident and can often save you money by helping you navigate the local incentive programs.

 

The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

Methodology: How We Ranked Vermont’s Solar Companies in 2024

solar panel roof in front of empty trees

Our primary goal in ranking installers in Vermont is to bring you recommendations for companies that meet your specific needs as a Vermonter. To achieve that goal, we use a state-specific rating protocol that highlights the factors that we believe are most crucial in VT. Below is a quick look at how we rate companies in Vermont:

  • Solar Products & Services (20%)
  • Solar Warranty & Customer Support (20%)
  • Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (15%)
  • Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Solar Financing Options (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Additionally, our methodology is never affected by partnerships we have in the industry, so our company recommendations are truly based on what we believe is most important to you as a solar customer. Below, we’ll explain why we think the factors above are most impactful to your experience when converting to solar power.

Solar Products & Services

The first things we look for in a solar system installation company in VT are the products it carries and the services it offers.

As mentioned above, high-efficiency panels are a must-have in Vermont if you want to offset the high energy bills. We also look for companies that offer more than the basic installation services — panels and solar batteries — as these will naturally appeal to customers who might be looking for other add-ons, like energy audits, solar water heaters and more.

Solar Warranty & Customer Support

Next, we prioritize installers that have lengthy warranty coverage. Specifically, we look for labor warranties that are above-average that can help protect your property from roof leaks and other issues stemming from poor installation technique and Vermont’s snowfall and extreme weather.

A company gets an average score in this category if it has 25 years of equipment and efficiency protection and a ten-year workmanship guarantee. Longer coverages mean higher rankings.

Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Factors

Since VT is such a green state, we next look at the environmental impact a company has. Things we look for in particular include a program for recycling old PV panels and sustainable business practices.

We also look for installers that uplift the community through charitable donations and alliances with solar and nonprofit environmental organizations in the area.

Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications

Since there are quite a few installers available in VT, we look for things that set companies apart from others. These include qualifications, certifications and evidence that the company is reputable and reliable. Some things we look for in particular include:

  • NABCEP certification (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)
  • 100 or more 4- or 5-star customer reviews on Google
  • High rating with the BBB
  • Few customer complaints
  • No record of customer lawsuits
  • Certification from LEED (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design)

Experience in Vermont

Given the popularity of solar in VT, new installation companies are not a rarity. While choosing a company with a lack of experience isn’t always a bad thing, it does come with a higher risk of losing your warranties if it goes out of business.

Less experienced companies are also more likely to make mistakes during your installation, which could mean roof leaks, which are already a high risk in VT due to the above-average snowfall.

Solar Financing Options

Next, we take a look at each company’s payment options. Although solar is less expensive in Vermont than in most other states, a system still averages around $21,540, which is prohibitively expensive for many residents. We prioritize companies that offer in-house, flexible solar financing and accept leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) in addition to cash.

Availability

Finally, we look at each installer’s service area. Most of the top solar power companies in Vermont serve the entire state, but we take points away from installers that have a more focused service area. These companies will appeal to fewer Vermonters overall.

EcoWatch FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Vermont

EcoWatch is one of the most trusted names in the solar industry. As such, we receive many questions about finding the best solar companies. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.

Blog author image
Article author
Dan Simms is an experienced writer with a passion for renewable energy. As a solar and EV advocate, much of his work has focused on the potential of solar power and deregulated energy, but he also writes on related topics, like real estate and economics. In his free time — when he's not checking his own home's solar production — he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, skiing and rock climbing.
Reviewer image
Expert reviewer
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Certified B Corp
    • Offers products from leading manufacturers
    • Many years of experience
    • No leases or PPAs
    • Expensive
    Not Rated
    Outstanding Social Impact

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