Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Craftsbury Common, Vermont. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a Vermont-based B-Corp and one of the most prominent residential solar installers in the state. They are known for their community-focused approach, comprehensive service from consultation to maintenance, and their expertise in handling Vermont's specific climate and incentive structures. They make the process of going solar highly accessible.
A highly-rated, employee-owned company based in White River Junction that serves the entire state, including the Northeast Kingdom. They are praised for their exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and high-quality installations. They offer a full suite of services and are particularly strong with complex installations and battery backup systems.
A well-respected, local solar installer based in nearby East Randolph, VT. They have a strong reputation for personalized service, quality craftsmanship, and deep knowledge of the central and northern Vermont market. As a smaller local company, they often provide a more hands-on, direct relationship with the owners throughout the project.
** The home solar market in and around Craftsbury Common, VT, is characterized by high-quality, specialized service providers rather than high-volume, national corporations. The rural nature of the area means that the top contractors are based in other parts of the state but have extensive experience servicing the Northeast Kingdom. Competition is moderate among a handful of established, reputable Vermont-based companies. These companies differentiate themselves through superior customer service, deep local knowledge (including navigating Vermont's specific net-metering and incentive programs like the VT State Tax Credit), and expertise in designing systems that perform well in a snowy, northern climate. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before federal and state incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$24,000 - $30,400**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit and the Vermont state incentive, the net investment can be significantly reduced, often by 35-40%. The market is mature, with a strong focus on both grid-tied systems with battery backup (for resilience during frequent power outages in rural areas) and off-grid solutions for remote properties.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Craftsbury Common regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Craftsbury Common, Vermont.
Solar panels are very effective in Vermont's climate, as they generate electricity from light, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and the reflective properties of snow can sometimes increase production. Vermont's net-metering policy ensures you get full credit for surplus energy sent to the grid in sunnier months to offset your usage in darker winter months, making the annual total highly productive.
The gross cost for a typical home system in Vermont ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Critically, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, a state property tax exemption, and Vermont's unique incentive: a state tax credit of up to $1,800. Furthermore, Green Mountain Power and other local utilities offer strong net-metering programs, and you may qualify for additional local clean energy grants, significantly reducing your net investment.
Yes, you will need both a local building permit from the Craftsbury Common town office and an electrical permit. Vermont has a streamlined "Certificate of Public Good" process for net-metered systems, which your installer will typically manage. It's crucial to work with a provider experienced in Vermont's specific regulations and interconnection standards with utilities like Washington Electric Co-op or Vermont Electric Co-op, which serve this area.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in Vermont, as they understand local climate challenges, utility requirements, and permitting. Look for certified, licensed, and insured providers (preferably NABCEP-certified) and ask for references from recent installations in Orleans or Lamoille County. Strongly review proposals that include detailed production estimates for Craftsbury's specific weather patterns and ensure they handle all aspects of state interconnection paperwork.
Under Vermont's net-metering rules, your utility (e.g., Washington Electric Co-op) will credit you at the full retail rate for any excess kilowatt-hours your system sends to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. It's important to note that a standard grid-tied system will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons unless you invest in a added battery storage solution, which is increasingly popular in rural areas like Craftsbury for backup power during winter storms.