Vermont is leading the country in solar adoption. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Vermont installed more than 80 MWs of solar electric capacity in 2018, double the capacity installed in 2014. Additionally, Vermont is expected to install 267 MW of solar electric capacity over the next five years, that’s almost equal to the amount installed over the previous five years. In other words, solar energy is thriving in Vermont thanks to state tax incentives, financing options, and rebate programs. Join the solar movement in Vermont and find a local solar panel installer.
Vermont’s Solar
Report Card
To determine a grade for each state, our researchers and solar experts analyzed data on crucial solar-advancement criteria from the following sources:
- Rebates, Tax Credits, and Tax Exemptions from Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency;
- Electricity Rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration;
- Renewable Energy Policy from NC Clean Energy Technology Center;
- Interconnection Ease from Freeing The Grid;
- Photovoltaic Potential from the Energy Department
We determined a rank from one to 10 for each state in each category. We then combined the scores with the following weights and assigned an overall grade for each state. Our goal is to encourage those considering solar for their homes to get a basic understanding of solar potential in their areas and discover the best opportunities for clean energy available.
Incentives & Rebates, 40%
Electricity Rate, 15%
Renewable Energy Policy, 30%
Interconnection Ease, 5%
Photovoltaic Potential, 10%
Cost-Analysis of Electricity in Vermont
The cost of electricity in Vermont contributes to its move toward more renewable energy sources. In 2018, 99.7 percent of the state’s electricity generation came from renewable resources, primarily hydropower. In 2019, residential electricity rates averaged $0.17 per kWh for Vermont residential users, well above the national average. Commercial rates were somewhat lower, at $0.16 per kWh. In light of these high prices, Vermont also ranks last in the country for total energy consumption.
Cost of Residential Electricity
Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*as of Q3 2015
Vermont
Solar Rebate & Policy Library
Solar Panels in Vermont: Policies & Incentives
State and federal governments, as well as some of the utility companies, offer a number of rebates, grants, loans and tax incentives to encourage residents to go solar. Vermont policy on sustainability goals was enacted into law with the passing in 2015 of the Renewable Energy Standard and Energy Transformation (RESET) Program. RESET places a total renewable energy requirement goal of 55 percent of sales by 2017, rising 4 percent every three years, to a total of 75 percent in 2032. This provides a substantial incentive for utility companies to find ways to encourage Vermont residents and companies to switch to renewable sources (like solar) for their electricity needs. Find out more about the programs in place to help move the state toward solar energy and other renewable resources.
REBATES/INCENTIVES
None
The Commercial Energy Loan Program (CELP) is also administered by VEDA but applies to larger renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
POLICIES
According to Vermont regulation, a 15 percent net metering cap was placed on all state electric utilities’ peak loads, meaning that customers could net meter after obtaining a Certificate of Public Good from the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) up to the utility meeting the net metering cap. Unfortunately, that cap was reached by most utilities by the end of 2015. Fortunately for GMP customers, in July 2016 the state raised GMP’s net metering cap, allowing GMP to accept projects up to 150 kW, providing for at least 50 additional solar projects for the year.
Vermont requires electric utilities to offer net metering to all customers with solar PV systems. The maximum system capacity for net-metered systems is 500 kW. Net-metered solar PV systems must conform to applicable electrical safety, power quality, and interconnection requirements.
Municipal bylaws may not, to any extent, regulate the installation, operation, and maintenance of a solar PV device on a flat roof. Homeowners may be subject to restrictions regarding the location of solar collectors on the roof as long as they do not impact the effectiveness of the collectors.
Vermont has an expedited permitting process for solar PV systems that are 15 kW or less.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
TAX CREDITS
None
None for residential specifically
The state offers an investment tax credit for installations of renewable energy equipment on business properties. The credit equals 24 percent of the “Vermont-property portion” of the federal business energy tax credit. This constitutes a 7.2 percent state-level credit for solar systems.
TAX EXEMPTIONS
Vermont’s sales tax exemption for renewable energy systems applies to systems up to 500 kW in capacity. The exemption is available for grid-tied systems and off-grid systems alike at a sales tax rate of 6 percent.
Vermont municipalities have the option to offer an exemption from real and personal property taxes for certain renewable energy systems. The exemption can be applied to residential, commercial, and industrial real and personal property. State property taxes still apply.
A 100 percent property tax exemption is available for solar PV systems up to and including 50 kW. The state assesses a uniform four dollars per kW for greater systems. This exemption applies to the equipment, not to the land.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
Vermont Solar Contractors & Installers
Started as Northeast Construction, Building Energy offers solar panels and heating system alternatives in addition to a host of other eco-friendly weatherization services.
Where it operatesWilliston, VT
Year of opening1981
FoxFire specializes in the engineering, installation, sales, and service of renewable energy systems.
Where it operatesChittenden, VT
Year of opening2006
Friends of the Sun provides solar hot water systems to its customers.
Where it operatesManchester, VT
Year of opening1975
Independent Power originally created off-grid solar systems to customers but has since expanded to offer training, information, and products for grid-tie power as well.
Where it operatesHyde Park, VT
Year of opening1988
Net Zero Renewable Resources (NZRR) is a family-owned business offering on- and off-grid solar PV and solar heat systems installation. NZRR is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services to its customers at the best possible price. Free site evaluations are available.
Where it operatesChester, VT
Year of opening2009
Real Goods Solar is a publicly-traded company that works with customers to consult, finance, design, engineer, permit, install and maintain solar systems.
Where it operatesMontpelier, VT
Year of opening1978
Solar Pro designs, installs and services solar panel systems for residential and commercial customers in southern Vermont.
Where it operatesArlington, VT
Year of opening2008
This locally owned business installs solar panels and inverters and works with everything from remote residences to large businesses and schools.
Where it operatesMorrisville, VT
Year of opening2003
Locally owned and operated, Sun Catcher provides robust on and off-grid renewable energy systems to its customers.
Where it operatesCorinth, VT
Year of opening2005
Suntied Electric works with both new and existing homes to design and install solar systems.
Where it operatesWaterbury, VT
Year of opening2004
Part of a network of local-owned solar companies, USA Solar started in Springfield and is now in 20 states.
Where it operatesPerkinsville, VT
Year of opening2001
Locally owned and operated, Vermont solar designs and builds off-grid systems.
Year of openingBurlington, VT
Year of opening1991
Vermont Solar Organizations & Associations
Learn more from this nonprofit trade association that has a membership of about 300 and is working to strengthen the state’s renewable energy businesses through networks, partnerships, professional development, and support.
Discover who is representing the solar industry. The SEBANE works with state regulators and policymakers to promote the use of solar energy in the region.
Explore SEIA, the national trade association that represents businesses working in the solar energy industry. It is focused on advocacy and education about green energy.
Search through an extensive list of resources and links for energy training programs, environmental career opportunities, and business groups with an interest in green technologies.
This government body regulates the electricity rates and services in the state. Find out more about the board and its process for hearing concerns.
Formed in June 2015, this task force studies the design, siting and regulatory review of solar electric generation facilities. It also proposes legislation relating to solar energy.