Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Underhill Center, Vermont. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a Vermont and New York B-Corp focused exclusively on making solar energy accessible and affordable. They are widely recognized as the leading residential solar installer in Vermont, known for their community-focused approach, excellent customer service, and deep expertise in local incentives and grid-tied systems.
A veteran-owned company known for high-quality, custom solar installations and exceptional customer service. They specialize in both grid-tied and off-grid systems, making them an excellent choice for the more rural parts of Underhill. They have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
Originally a world-renowned maker of wind energy measurement systems, NRG's solar division leverages decades of renewable energy expertise. They are known for precise system design, high-quality engineering, and professional installations, particularly for complex projects and battery storage integration.
The home solar market in Underhill Center, Vermont, is robust and highly competitive among regional providers, despite the town's small size. The market is characterized by high-quality service providers, as Vermont's regulatory environment and community values support a strong renewable energy sector. * **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of providers serving the area is generally very high. The competition is strong among a handful of established, local Vermont companies (like the three listed above) rather than national corporations. This local focus means installers have deep knowledge of Vermont-specific incentives, net-metering rules, and the challenges of the local climate. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing for residential solar in Vermont is competitive with the national average, typically ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$22,400 to $28,000**. However, the effective cost is significantly lower due to the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Vermont's state incentives, and net metering, which can reduce the payback period to 8-12 years for many homeowners. * **Key Drivers:** The market is driven by Vermont's net metering policy, strong state incentives, a desire for energy independence, and the frequent power outages in rural areas, which makes battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) an increasingly popular add-on.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Underhill Center regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Underhill Center, Vermont.
Vermont's climate requires specific design considerations. While winter production is lower due to snow and sun angle, modern panels are efficient and shed snow relatively well. A key design strategy is to slightly oversize your system to generate surplus energy in sunnier months, banking credits with Green Mountain Power's net metering program to offset winter usage, ensuring year-round savings.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical residential system in Vermont costs between $15,000-$25,000. Critically, you can combine this with Vermont's state-specific incentives: a sales tax exemption on equipment and a state property tax exemption that prevents your home's assessed value from increasing due to the solar installation. Green Mountain Power also offers a robust net metering program for bill credits.
Yes, local approval is required. You must obtain an electrical permit from the Town of Underhill and comply with Vermont's statewide building and electrical codes. If your property is within a designated historic district or has specific scenic protections, there may be additional aesthetic review. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process for you.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in Vermont's climate and regulatory environment. Look for certifications like NABCEP, check for strong references from local projects, and verify they are a licensed Vermont electrician or contractor. It's highly advisable to choose a company that handles post-installation monitoring and maintenance, especially for snow-related performance checks.
A professional site assessment is essential. Installers will analyze your roof's orientation (south-facing is ideal), pitch, structural integrity, and shading from trees or Mount Mansfield. They use tools like solar pathfinders to model year-round sun exposure. If roof space is unsuitable, a ground-mounted system in a sunny portion of your yard is a common and effective alternative in our area.