Vermont Solar Panels
Pricing & Installation Data

Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Vermont.

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Solar Panels in Vermont

In the picturesque state of Vermont, solar energy is not just a buzzword but a growing reality. Vermont is committed to a sustainable future. Solar power contributes to nearly 11% of Vermont's in-state electricity production.

As of 2021, the state boasts an impressive installed solar capacity of 397.6 MW. That’s enough to power around 90,000 homes!

The 20 MW Coolidge Solar Farm and the 2.2 MW SunGen Sharon 1 system are two of the largest projects making Vermont greener.

Cost of Solar in Vermont

The average price for a home solar panel system in Vermont is $18,840 for a 6kW system or about $3.14per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.

Average Cost
6 kW System
Average Cost
10 kW System
Estimated
Tax Credit
(10 kW System)
Average
Cost/Watt
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Vermont$17,940$29,900$8,970$2.99
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Most Costly State(Michigan)$22,680$37,800$11,340$3.78
Least Costly State(Arizona)$14,640$24,400$7,320$2.44

Costs by Solar System Size in Vermont

For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.

I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.

System SizeSystem CostCost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$14,950$8,785
6 kW$17,940$10,542
7 kW$20,930$12,299
8 kW$23,920$14,056
10 kW$29,900$17,570

Pros and Cons of Solar in Vermont

Remember, the decision to go solar is a personal one and depends on your specific circumstances and goals. While solar energy offers many benefits, it's important to consider both sides of the coin before making a decision. 

In Vermont, the unique climate and state policies play a significant role in shaping the advantages and challenges of solar viability. 

Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.

Vermont Solar Pros

  • Cost Savings: Reduce or eliminate electric bills
  • Energy Independence: Generate your own electricity to reduce reliance on the grid
  • Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Home Value: Increase home value (4.1% on average)
  • Net Metering: Vermont has state-wide net metering available in statute Title 30 Section 8010.
  • Tax Benefits: Property tax exemption for solar and exemption of 6% sales tax on solar

Vermont Solar Cons

  • Compatibility: Not viable for all roofs or homes
  • Upfront Costs: The initial cost of the system, including Installation costs can be steep.
  • Variable Generation: The amount of electricity produced by the panels is of course determined by how much sun you get. Sunnier days get more power.
  • Financial Liability: If you sign into a solar lease contract, make sure you read the fine print. There have been cases of customers being responsible of more than they thought.
  • Longer Payback Period: The average payback period in Vermont is 13 years, slightly above the national average of 12 years. Solar Panels are expected to last 20 to 25 years, so it’s not all bad.
  • Weather Concerns: Frequent thunderstorms could potentially damage your solar installation.

EnergyBot's Take

In short, solar energy in Vermont is a viable option. Between supported efforts from the state, price drops, and industry investments, Vermont shows that solar can thrive even in less sunny climates. It all depends on your financial situation and whether it makes sense on an individual level. 

Vermont has an installed capacity of 397.6 MW contributing to nearly 11% of the state's electricity. State policies like net metering and incentives make solar an attractive investment. This, coupled with a growing focus on sustainability and energy independence, positions solar as a practical choice in Vermont.

Challenges to look out for are initial installation costs and variable weather conditions affecting solar efficiency. Despite these, advancements in solar technology and battery storage are making solar more feasible. 

If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.

Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels in Vermont

There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Vermont. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.

Cash Purchase

The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Solar Loan

The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.

This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."

Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.

Solar Lease

Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.

Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:

  • Renew your lease agreement
  • Purchase the system
  • End your lease agreement

Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.

Power Purchase Agreements

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.

Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.

Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.

Vermont Solar Incentives

And don’t forget! On top of the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you might also find some local incentives to help cut down the cost of getting your own system. These incentives can vary. Some are available statewide, while others are specific to your city or utility company. They could save you a decent chunk of change.

We've listed the known incentives for Vermont in the table below. But remember, this isn't an exhaustive list. It's always a good idea to check with your local utility company for any additional incentives that might be available.

Name State Category Type
Net Metering VT Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption VT Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
GMP - Biomass Grants VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Wind Energy Demonstration Grants VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Interconnection Standards VT Regulatory Policy Interconnection
Solar & Wind Incentive Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Fuel Source and Environmental Impact Disclosure VT Regulatory Policy Generation Disclosure
GMP Cow Power VT Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development (SPEED) Goals VT Regulatory Policy Renewables Portfolio Standard
Direct Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Efficiency Vermont - Dairy Farm Incentive Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
HVAC Equipment Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
LED Traffic Light Incentive Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Efficiency Vermont - Energy Efficient Motors and VFD Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Commercial Refrigeration Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Qualified Clothes Washer Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Vermont Gas - Commercial Energy Services VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards VT Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Clean Energy Development Fund VT Regulatory Policy Public Benefits Fund
Building Energy Standards VT Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Efficiency Vermont VT Regulatory Policy Public Benefits Fund
Burlington Electric Department - Neighbor$ave VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) Grant VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Residential Rental Property Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Mandatory Utility Green Power Option VT Regulatory Policy Mandatory Utility Green Power Option
30% Business Tax Credit for Solar VT Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) - Grant Program VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Sales Tax Holiday for Energy-Efficient Appliances VT Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
GMP Solar Power VT Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Commercial Compressed Air Systems Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Standard Offer for Qualifying SPEED Resources VT Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Investment Tax Credit VT Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy VT Financial Incentive PACE Financing
Home Performance with Energy Star (Existing Residential) VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Efficiency Vermont - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (Existing Residential) VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential New Construction Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
New Generation Energy - Community Solar Lending Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
New Generation Energy - Community Food Service Efficiency Lending Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Burlington Electric Department - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Burlington Electric Department - Multi-Family Rental Energy Efficiency Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Business Energy Conservation Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Line Extension Alternatives VT Regulatory Policy Line Extension Analysis
Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) - Municipal Technical Assistance Grants VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Agricultural Lighting and Equipment Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Energy Reduction Goals VT Regulatory Policy Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
Burlington Electric Department - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar VT Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Expedited Permitting Process for Solar Photovoltaic Systems VT Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Small Business Energy Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Commercial Energy Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Agricultural Energy Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy Loan Guarantee Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Standard Offer Program VT Financial Incentive Feed-in Tariff
Commercial Refigeration & Kitchen Equipment Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Standard VT Regulatory Policy Renewables Portfolio Standard
Burlington Electric Department - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Mileage Smart Program VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Vermont New Electric Vehicle Incentive Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Stowe Electric - Electric Vehicle Purchase Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Stowe Electric - Public EV Charging Station Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Stowe Electric - Electric Lawnmowers VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Electric Coop - EV Charging Station Bill Credit VT Financial Incentive Other Incentive
Vermont Electric Coop - Electric Vehicle Purchase Bill Credit VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Electric Coop - Electric Forklift Bill Credit VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Electric Coop - Electric Lawnmower Bill Credit VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority - Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority - Electric Lawnmower Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority - Electric Bicycle and Retrofit Kit Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority - Electric Golf Cart Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority - Electric Forklift Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Burlington Electric - Workplace EV Charging Station Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Burlington Electric Department - Residential EV Charging Station Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Burlington Electric Department - Electric Vehicle Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Mountain Power EV Charging Station Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Mountain Power EV Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Community Renewable Energy Program VT Regulatory Policy Community Solar Rules
Construction and Building Performance Rebate Programs VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Commercial Appliance Rebate Programs VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Electric Vehicle Workplace Charging Station Loan Program VT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Multiunit Dwelling Electric Vehicle Charging Grant VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Community EV Chargers Incentive Program VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Vermont Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Leasing Program VT Financial Incentive Leasing Program
Vermont Replace Your Ride Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Electrify Your Fleet Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Mountain Power Bring Your Own Device Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Burlington Electric Department - Electric Bicycle Rebate VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Burlington Electric Department - Multi-Family EV Charging Station Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Electric Coop - Induction Cooktop Bill Credit VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont Electric Coop - Heat Pump Bill Credit VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Mountain Power Electric Bicycle Rebate Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Mountain Power Energy Efficiency Rebates VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Mileage Smart Program VT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Vermont - National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program VT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Tax-Exempt Financing for Green Buildings, Renewable Energy & Brownfield Redevelopment US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Conservation Security Program (CSP) Production Incentive US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Federal Excise Tax Exemption for Gasohol US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) US Financial Incentive Corporate Depreciation
Energy Star Financing and Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA Rural Housing Service Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Small Business Administration Loan Programs US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy-Efficient Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government US Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Energy-Efficient Appliance Manufacturing Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Federal Appliance Standards US Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Energy Goals and Standards for Federal Agencies US Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Repowering Assistance Biorefinery Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Title I Property Improvement Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Personal) US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit

Vermont Solar Companies

There are hundreds of solar companies in Vermont. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.

To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.

The solar companies we partner with:

  • Project Solar - A nationwide provider of solar panel systems that has a non-sales-oriented approach to building your system. They build your system from their central office and send a local company to complete the solar panel installation.
  • EnergySage - The largest online solar installation network. They work with thousands of installers to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. With thousands of successful solar installations, they can give you a range of bids and pricing options.
  • Tesla - Brains behind some of the most cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, Tesla also offers sleek and powerful solar systems and battery systems.

We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.

Before You Install Solar Panels

Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.

  • What are the long-term savings and payback period for installing a solar panel system?
  • How will installing solar panels impact my home's value?
  • What is the system’s Return on Investment (ROI)?
  • Are there any specific design or aesthetic considerations for solar panel installation?
  • How do I weigh the environmental benefits against the costs of installation?
  • What are the specific terms and conditions for the installer?

Solar For All?

On June 28, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, alongside U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, and U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, announced the launch of the "Solar for All" program in Waterbury, Vermont. This is a national initiative backed by $7 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act. The initiative aims to make solar systems more affordable for low and middle-income families. 

The program plans to distribute funds to up to 60 entities, including states and nonprofits. Their goal is to support solar installations in 10 million homes over the next decade.

The program promises at least a 20% reduction in total electricity bills for homes that participate. It focuses on expanding solar access, especially among communities that have traditionally been less likely to own solar panels, such as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and renters. 

The EPA will hold a grant competition to allocate these funds, encouraging local entities to develop or expand solar programs. The announcement was made in Vermont due to its leadership in solar technology implementation, exemplified by companies like SunCommon, which facilitates solar panel installations with no upfront cost. 

Sanders highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Why Trust EnergyBot

We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.

Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Vermont decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.

We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.

Vermont Solar FAQs

The cost of solar panel installation in Vermont can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.

A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Vermont is $18,840 for a 6kW system or about or about $3.14 per watt.

The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Your home's energy consumption: The first step is to calculate your household's energy use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills to see how much electricity you use in a year, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses around 10,400 kWh per year, but this can vary widely based on the size of your home, the efficiency of your appliances, and your personal habits.
  2. The amount of sunlight your location receives: This can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place that has many sunny days like Arizona, you might require fewer solar panels compared to someone living in a place with less sunlight like Seattle.
  3. The efficiency of the solar panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. On average, residential solar panels have an efficiency rating between 15-20%. The higher the efficiency, the fewer panels you would likely need to meet your energy needs.
  4. The size of the solar panels: Solar panels also come in different sizes. A common size for residential use is roughly 65 inches by 39 inches. Each panel typically produces around 250 to 400 watts of power, but this can vary.

To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.

  • Lower Electricity Bills:
    Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lower your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    Solar energy is clean and renewable, so using it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
  • Increased Home Value:
    Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Long-Term Savings:
    While the upfront cost of installing solar energy systems can be high, they can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and other savings.
  • Location:
    Homes in areas with lots of sunlight are generally better candidates for solar panels. If your home is shaded or doesn't receive much sunlight, it may not be the best choice.
  • Roof Orientation:
    Ideally, your roof should be facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roof Condition:
    Your roof should be in good condition and able to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to take care of that before your solar installation.

The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

Some skilled DIYers may be able to save some solar installation costs by installing solar equipment themselves. But, any solar installation will require a foundational knowledge of wiring and electricity. There's is a lot that can go wrong, posing a potentially deadly hazard.

Before you try to DIY your system we would recommend getting a quote from a solar installer. You may find that the labor costs of your install is relatively small compared to the cost of the solar equipment itself.

There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home. 

Considering batteries alongside your solar system is a smart move. Batteries store excess solar energy, ensuring power availability during outages or when the sun isn't shining. This enhances energy independence and maximizes your solar investment. In areas with variable weather or high electricity rates, batteries can significantly boost savings and provide peace of mind. It's an investment in reliability and efficiency, making your solar system more versatile and effective.

Most solar panels come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty, which guarantees a certain level of electricity production. This is also their expected life span but can continue to generate power beyond 30 years. Make sure to read the fine print to understand what's covered and what's not. Some warranties might only cover specific parts of the solar system, like the inverter or the panels themselves.

The inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC) for your home, typically has a shorter lifespan than the panels. You might need to replace it once during the lifetime of your solar system. Factor this into your long-term cost calculations.

Some homeowner's insurance policies will cover solar panels, but it's best to double-check. You may need to add a separate rider or even choose a different insurance provider to ensure your investment is protected.