Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Washington, 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 more accessible. They are one of the most prominent and trusted residential solar installers in the state, known for their community-focused approach, excellent customer service, and comprehensive service offerings from consultation to maintenance.
A leading local installer known for high-quality craftsmanship and deep expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems. They are a certified installer for top-tier equipment and have a strong reputation for handling complex installations, including in rural areas like Washington.
Based in the central Vermont city of Barre, Catamount Solar is geographically closer to Washington and has a strong reputation for personalized service and expertise with the specific challenges and incentives relevant to Vermont homeowners. They offer full-service design, installation, and support.
The home solar market in Washington, Vermont, and the surrounding region is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a few key factors. The average quality of service is very high, as the leading local installers are experienced with Vermont's specific climate, net-metering policies, and the challenges of rural properties (e.g., wooded sites, varying roof types). Competition is strong among the top-tier providers, which benefits consumers through robust service offerings and detailed consultations. Typical pricing for a residential system in Vermont is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$24,000 - $30,400**. However, the effective cost is significantly lower due to the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and additional state-level incentives, such as Vermont's net-metering program which offers full retail credit for excess energy sent to the grid. The top providers excel at navigating these financial incentives for their customers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Washington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Washington, Vermont.
Solar panels do produce less energy during Vermont's shorter winter days, and snow cover can temporarily halt production. However, panels are installed at an angle, which helps snow slide off, and they often generate power on cold, clear days. Importantly, Vermont's net-metering policy allows you to bank excess summer credits to offset winter usage, making a system viable year-round.
You benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, a state property tax exemption, and Vermont's robust net-metering program. While system costs vary, a typical residential installation in Washington ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. The combination of incentives, along with significant savings on your Green Mountain Power or Washington Electric Co-op bill, leads to a payback period often between 8-12 years.
Yes, you must comply with both local and state regulations. Washington may have specific town zoning or building permit requirements. At the state level, all systems must be permitted through the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) and installed by a certified Vermont electrician. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process for you.
Look for providers with strong local experience in Vermont. Key factors include certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), a portfolio of installations in Washington County, and familiarity with local utility interconnection processes (GMP or WEC). Always check reviews and ask for local references to assess their service and system performance in our climate.
The ideal installation time is late spring through early fall. This allows for easier site work and avoids potential delays from winter weather. Scheduling during this period ensures your system is operational in time to capture the peak summer sun, maximizing your first-year production and the credits you can bank for winter use under net metering.