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4 Best Solar Companies in Vermont (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 11/06/2024

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 greatest 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.


Compare the Best Solar Companies in Vermont

Company Star Rating Warranties Payment Options Link
4.5
10–25 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
4.2
Varies Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
4.0
N/A N/A GET QUOTE
4.0
10-25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
No results were found.

Vermont’s Top Solar Energy Companies

These are the best solar companies in Vermont, according to our research and ranking methodology.


Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in Vermont

Sunrun

Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.5

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
✔ Power purchase agreement (PPA)

Reputation and Awards

Sunrun is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating from the site. During our customer review analysis, we noticed that homeowners praised the company’s professionalism and convenient leasing programs. However, be aware that solar leases and PPAs prevent you from owning your system and qualifying for cost-saving solar incentives. Other reviews also mentioned issues with Sunrun’s scheduling and high prices.

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

LGCY Power

Best Solar Consultation
4.2

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a hands-on, transparent, and guided installation process Provides various online resources, such as updated blogs Partners with Sunrun for more extensive service options Cons Varies its warranties by product Customer reviews mention communication issues Has less experience than other providers on this list

Why We Chose LGCY Power

LGCY Power has a thorough consultation process. It focuses on hands-on experience and transparency, assigning a dedicated energy consultant to guide you through installation. It also provides a team to assist with solar incentives, helping you to lower your overall installation costs.

Because LGCY is a Sunrun-certified partner, it offers various high-quality solar panels, inverters, and solar batteries. The company also offers comprehensive system maintenance and 24-hour monitoring.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
LGCY includes various product, inverter, and workmanship warranties, but each warranty’s length and coverage varies by product.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA (power purchase agreement)

Reputation and Awards

LGCY Power holds an A rating on the BBB and is accredited by the organization. We found that customers praised the company’s transparency and informed consultants. However, other customers mentioned communication issues with customer support.

LGCY ranked 17th on Inc. Magazine’s 2023 list of 5000 most successful companies for the Rocky Mountain region. The company also ranked in 2019, 2021, and 2022.


Green Mountain Solar Best Local Vermont Installer
4
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers electric vehicle (EV) chargers and solar heat pump installation Has extensive knowledge about local Vermont solar incentives Partners with the New England Federal Credit Union for solar loans Cons Has limited customization options Is less experienced compared to other companies on our list Isn’t NABCEP-certified
Why We Chose Green Mountain Solar

Green Mountain is ideal for those who want a hyperlocal experience. The company will be more familiar with local solar incentives and weatherization needs. It will also offer a more prompt, personalized service than a large national provider. It has strong warranties lasting 25 years.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
The company offers a 25-year production warranty, including parts and labor, plus a 12-year workmanship warranty. The company also states that most of the inverters it installs feature 25-year warranties.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan>

Reputation and Awards

Green Mountain Solar has an excellent reputation among customers. It’s accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. It also features incredibly high scores on its Google Reviews page.

Tesla Solar

Best Solar Tech
4

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides transparent online pricing, unlike other providers Offers its industry-leading Tesla Powerwall battery with all installations Creates unique, high-end solar roofs using innovative solar shingle technology Cons Limits solar loan options by ZIP code Customer reviews mention challenges with scheduling repairs Limits customization by offering only a few system size options

Why We Chose Tesla

Tesla offers high-tech solar energy products. The company provides solar roofing and its popular solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall. We also like Tesla’s detailed website, which lets you learn more about solar panels and get a quote without speaking to a sales representative. Most solar companies require a consultation before revealing any pricing.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Tesla includes a 10-year warranty for product and workmanship and a 25-year performance warranty.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan (in select areas)

Reputation and Awards

Tesla holds an A+ rating from the BBB, though it doesn’t have accreditation. Customer reviews praise the high performance and quality of Tesla’s technology. Other reviews mention difficulty scheduling and receiving repair services.

Learn more: Tesla Solar 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 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 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

You can follow these easy steps to get a solar quote in Vermont. The process typically only takes a few minutes.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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


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

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.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.