Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in East Burke, Vermont. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a Vermont-based B-Corp and a market leader in residential solar. They are widely recognized for their community-focused approach, extensive experience with Vermont's climate and incentives, and a streamlined process from consultation to installation. They strongly emphasize making solar accessible through various financing options.
A highly-rated, locally-owned installer known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They have deep knowledge of battery backup solutions, which is a significant consideration for the rural and sometimes weather-affected areas of the Northeast Kingdom.
While also involved in larger commercial and utility projects, NRI has a strong residential division with a particular specialty in robust, off-grid and backup power systems. Based in Waitsfield, they are well-acquainted with the demands of mountainous Vermont terrain and weather, making them an excellent choice for reliable, independent power.
** The home solar market in East Burke, VT, and the broader Northeast Kingdom is characterized by a few key traits. The market is **moderately competitive**, dominated by a handful of established, reputable Vermont-based companies rather than national operators. This is due to the specific challenges of the region, including harsh winters, complex roofing (often steep pitches for snow shed), and a high customer interest in battery backup for grid resilience. The **average quality** of providers is very high, as Vermont has strong licensing and incentive programs that encourage professional installations. Companies operating here are typically well-versed in local permitting, Vermont's net metering laws, and state-specific incentives like the Vermont Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit. **Typical pricing** for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit and state incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$18,000 to $38,000** for a typical 6kW to 10kW system. The strong focus on battery storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Generac PWRcell) can add significantly to this cost but is a common and recommended addition given the local weather conditions.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with East Burke regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in East Burke, Vermont.
While winter production is lower due to snow and reduced daylight, modern systems are designed for this climate. Panels are installed at a steeper angle (often 35-45 degrees) to shed snow more easily and maximize capture of the lower winter sun. Importantly, Vermont's net metering policy allows you to bank summer overproduction credits to offset winter usage, making a well-sized system effective year-round.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical residential system in the Northeast Kingdom costs between $15,000 and $25,000. Critically, Vermont offers additional state incentives, including a state tax credit and a sales tax exemption on solar equipment. You should also check with your local utility, Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC), for any specific rebates or net metering terms they offer.
Yes, you must comply with both the Town of East Burke's zoning bylaws and any applicable covenants if you're in a planned community. The town may have requirements regarding setback from property lines and visibility. A reputable local installer will handle this permitting process, including the required Certificate of Public Good from the Vermont Public Utility Commission, which is standard for all Vermont systems.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in Vermont's harsh climate and a strong local presence. Look for certified (NABCEP), licensed, and insured professionals. Ask for references from recent installations in Burke or nearby towns like Lyndonville, and verify they are familiar with working with Vermont Electric Co-op and navigating the specific state and local permitting processes.
Generally, no. Panels are slippery and installed at an angle, so snow usually slides off on its own. Clearing them is not recommended due to safety and risk of damage. Regarding weight, a structural assessment is part of any professional installation. Solar panels and racking add about 3-5 pounds per square foot, which a properly maintained Vermont roof is almost always engineered to support, especially when the snow load is reduced as panels shed it.