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Best Solar Companies in Vermont

We compared 67 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Sunrun
      4.3(3,551)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(218)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Vermont

    Sunrun is Vermont’s best solar company for professional installation, based on local customer satisfaction ratings. ShopSolar is our pick for DIY solar projects.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
    • 4,790,241 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    Our picks for the best solar companies in Vermont

    1. Best for professional installation: Sunrun
    2. Best for DIY projects: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on local ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide.

    Some of our picks are Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not influence our evaluations. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Compare solar energy companies servicing Vermont

    Our Vermont solar company picks

    High energy costs in Vermont make going solar a smart choice for many residents. But with so many options available, where should you start? The ConsumerAffairs Research Team reviewed solar providers to identify the ones that best meet the needs of most homeowners.

    Our pick for professional installation

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.3
    3,551 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews
    Pros
    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Daily system monitoring
    • Roof leak warranty
    Cons
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Some billing issues
    • Occasional installation delays

    Sunrun offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Vermont. Reps start by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. Then they use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

    We really like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee.

    What to consider: Some customers report dissatisfaction with contract terms, so it’s important to review agreements closely before signing.

    “The price I paid for their services is a five-star rating in my opinion.”
    A Burlington, VT
    “Since installation, I've noticed stability in my electric bills and significant savings.”
    Jason Grand Isle, VT
    “Any time you have any issues, they are very good about getting back to you. They don't abandon you.”
    Debra Waterford, VT
    • Energy services: Sunrun is a full-service solar panel installer. Battery storage options and EV charging solutions are also available.
    • Equipment options: Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers. Tesla, Lunar Energy and FranklinWH solar storage batteries are available.
    • Warranties and guarantees: The standard warranty covers workmanship and equipment on purchased systems for 10 years. The 95% performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.
    “Since installation, I've noticed stability in my electric bills and significant savings.”
    — Jason in Grand Isle, VT
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews
    Pros
    • Great equipment selection
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • No professional installation
    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

    ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy everything you need for a do-it-yourself solar project. We like that it has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication.

    You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    What to consider: Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment. Generally, ShopSolar resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    “ShopSolar had good prices and they had a customer service line that was manned by people.”
    Brent Belvidere Center, VT
    • Equipment: Equipment comes from quality brands like REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow.
    • Payments: You can pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. Financing is also available at rates from 0% to 36% APR.
    • Warranties: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.
    “ShopSolar had good prices.”
    — Brent in Belvidere Center, VT

    Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Vermont

    We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving Vermont. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

    Local customer satisfaction (65%)
    We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Vermont. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

    Price satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

    Payment options (7%)
    We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

    Warranties and guarantees (7%)
    A long warranty shows confidence in a company’s work. We compared both equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide between 10 and 25 years of coverage.

    Installation satisfaction (7%)
    We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

    Customer service satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

    Solar Companies in Vermont Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in Vermont.

      Key insights

      In Vermont, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,422 to $29,777, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      You now only have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install a system and get the 30% federal solar tax credit.

      Jump to insight

      Choose a company that provides the services and products you want, like battery storage, electric vehicle chargers or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output.

      Jump to insight

      How to choose a solar company in Vermont

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years.

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, quality equipment and solid warranties.

      1. Compare quotes

      Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      2. Check licenses

      The State of Vermont does not mandate any certification or licensing requirements specifically for solar power system installers. However, Renewable Energy Vermont (REV), a prominent industry association, has curated a directory of solar installers servicing the state.

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information.

      Solar companies listed in the REV directory maintain active general liability insurance coverage with a minimum of $1 million in policy limits. This ensures that homeowners are protected in the event of unforeseen incidents during the installation process.

      It’s a bonus if the company also has NABCEP-certified installers.

      3. Read the fine print

      Review proposals and financials carefully, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask the representative.

      Compare more solar companies available in Vermont

      Showing 10 of 67

      How much does it cost to go solar in Vermont?

      Average solar panel costs in Vermont typically range between $10,422 and $29,777. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Vermont, the average cost per watt is $2.98.

      The table below doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Vermont

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage of paying upfront is avoiding interest charges.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      Vermont also has legalized power purchase agreements (PPAs), which work very similarly to leases.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Vermont

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is now set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

      Additional statewide residential solar panel incentives in Vermont include a sales tax exemption and a property tax exemption.

      You might also be eligible to enroll in net metering, which lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. These credits can offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times.

      FAQ

      Are solar panels worth it in Vermont?

      For many, going solar in Vermont is worth it for lowering energy costs. On average, Vermont homeowners with solar panels can avoid $98,684 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Patricia in Burlington put it this way: “I don't see any downsides at all in going solar. You’re always saving money.” For others, it’s more about reducing reliance on local power companies or helping the environment.

      However, the return on investment also depends on the efficiency and size of your system. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.89 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). If you finance, it’s worth it if your loan payment is cheaper than your current utility bill.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Can I get free solar panels in Vermont?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Vermont. Scams that promise free solar panels can end up costing consumers quite a bit of money.

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. We recommend using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panel installations?

      No, Vermont laws protect your right to install solar panels and other renewable energy devices on your property. Homeowners associations can’t restrict their installation.

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. Vermont Public Service Department, “A Vermonter’s Guide to Residential Solar.” Accessed Sept. 15, 2025.
        2. Vermont Electric Coop, “Net Metering.” Accessed Sept. 15, 2025.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, “Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Energy.” Accessed Sept. 15, 2025.

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