3 Best Solar Companies in Vermont of June 2023

Despite its small population, Vermont has a number of solar power companies serving residents. And the best solar companies in Vermont are SunPower, Sunrun and Green Mountain Solar.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team shortlisted these solar installers after extensive surveys and discussions with industry experts and manufacturing and installation companies. In addition, we put each of the companies through our detailed methodology to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Below are our thoughts on the best companies in Vermont.

The process of selecting a solar company that fits your needs can be taxing for homeowners who are new to solar. Here are some important points to keep in mind when looking for a solar installer.

Going solar in Vermont can be a bit more expensive than most other places in the U.S. An average solar system in Vermont costs $3.01/W, which is slightly higher than the national average cost of $2.85/W. Below is the pricing of the best solar companies in Vermont.

Provider

Our Score

Cost*

Years of Experience

BBB Rating*

Financing Options

SunPower

4.8/5

$15,000–$20,000+

38

A+

Cash, loan, lease or PPA

Sunrun

4.3/5

$15,000–$20,000

15

A-

Cash, loan or lease or PPA

Green Mountain Solar

3.6/5

N/A

6

A+

Cash or loan

*Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar cost survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar power systems. Green Mountain Solar was not included in the survey. BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.

Now in its fourth decade of operations, SunPower is well known for its extensive experience in both solar panel manufacturing and installation. Its Maxeon solar modules boast high efficiencies and durability, making them some of the best solar panels on the market.

Thanks to its high quality, SunPower offers a 25-year product warranty on all of its solar panels. SunPower's installation division uses NABCEP-certified technicians and has installed thousands of systems nationwide. The systems come with a 25-year workmanship warranty.

To learn more, check out our full review of SunPower.

Sunrun is often credited with making solar leases mainstream, convincing numerous homeowners to choose solar at a time when few rebates were available. Its customers can choose between two leasing options, each of which comes with a production guarantee. Sunrun also takes care of the system's monitoring and maintenance requirements.

Sunrun uses high-quality equipment and offers 25-year warranties for products and workmanship. Customers also get a 10-year roofing warranty that protects them against leaks and other issues.

To learn more, check out our full Sunrun Solar review

In a short time, Green Mountain Solar has established itself as a strong Vermont company with excellent customer ratings. According to Green Mountain, being local keeps overhead low, allowing it to pass savings to customers.

Located in Burlington, Green Mountain Solar sells high-quality solar panels and inverters, which come with 25-year product warranties. While it doesn't have solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPA), it offers a zero-down loan to offset the large initial costs of going solar.

To learn more, check out our full review of Green Mountain Solar

Vermont may be a small state, but picking from its 69 solar companies may overwhelm homeowners. Based on our research, the best national solar companies in Vermont are SunPower and Sunrun, while the best local installer is Green Mountain Solar.

Other notable solar companies in Vermont are Catamount Solar, AllEarth Renewables and Waterbury-based SunCommon, an official Tesla Powerwall installer. Before selecting an installer for your solar project, we recommend requesting quotes from multiple solar providers.

Vermont lacks exceptional solar incentives and rebates. However, the few available federal and state incentives still can save homeowners thousands of dollars when purchasing a new system. Below is an overview of all the key solar incentives in Vermont.

Extended by the recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the federal tax credit is a tax incentive that allows solar panel buyers to deduct up to 30% of their system's cost from their income taxes. Also known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), the incentive is available to American homeowners until 2032.

Incentive

Savings

Explanation

Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption

100% of any property tax increases from installing solar

Solar power systems rated for less than 50 kW are exempt from Vermont's statewide property tax.

Vermont Sales and Use Tax Exemption

6% of the system's purchase cost.

Solar power systems are exempt from sales tax in Vermont.

Net metering

Savings vary

Allows solar panel owners to send excess energy to the grid in exchange for energy bill credits. Credits are valued at a blended residential rate.

Because of Vermont's high electricity costs, homeowners can save substantial amounts of money over the lifetime of a solar power system. This makes going solar in Vermont clearly worth it.

The average cost of solar panel systems in the state of Vermont is $3.01 per watt. A typical 5 kW rooftop solar system can cost more than $15,000 before any incentives kick in.

SunPower is the largest national solar company operating in Vermont. Green Mountain Solar is one of the largest local installers in the state.

Founded in the 1980s, SunPower is the oldest solar installation company to offer installation services in Vermont.

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors for comparing solar panel installation companies. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

Aniket Bhor is a solar engineer who has spent nearly a decade studying and working in the solar power sector in the European, Asian and North American markets. He is a climate enthusiast and avid cyclist, and he also loves to lose himself in books and cooking.