The best solar installers in Vermont
A geographically balanced top 5 spanning Chittenden County / Burlington, Central VT, Rutland / Southern VT, and Brattleboro / Southeast VT — so homeowners across the state have a local-to-them option in the top picks. Vermont is a small state, but drive times across the Green Mountains are real; an installer near you matters for service calls. For neighboring-state regional options, see Honorable mentions below.
SunCommon Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 266 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Catamount Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 59 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Same Sun of Vermont Local
Why listed: 4.4-star Google rating from 17 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Integrated Solar Applications (ISA) Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 10 reviews on a Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Building Energy Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 70 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
National installer footprints in Vermont are thin compared to most states — VT's small population and strong local installer ecosystem mean most nationals don't actively market here. Sunrun and Tesla Energy take some VT contracts; Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier (the platform's highest installer rating) but check current VT service status before quoting. National installers typically have higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Vermont-based alternatives and regional installers serving VT from neighboring New England states.
Other Vermont-based installers
AllEarth Renewables Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 22 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Vermont
Worth a quote if you're in the Upper Valley (closer to NH), the Northeast Kingdom, or southern VT — but expect longer drive times for service calls than a VT-based installer.
ReVision Energy Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 216 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Vermont solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Vermont average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.20–$0.24 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.85–3.60 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,150–1,250 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail-equivalent under group net metering structure |
| Average cash payback | 10–13 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Vermont solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Vermont stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Vermont state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: VT Statute §3845 — property tax exemption for renewable systems.
- Sales tax: VT sales tax exemption for solar PV equipment.
Net metering & utility programs in Vermont
VT retail-rate NEM with REC compensation. Group net metering available. See also net metering explained.
- Green Mountain Power (GMP): NEM + Bring Your Own Device battery program greenmountainpower.com
- Burlington Electric Department: NEM + city programs www.burlingtonelectric.com
Vermont battery storage incentives
GMP Bring Your Own Device: Pay-for-dispatch battery program — significant residual income.
Vermont EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- State EV purchase rebate: Drive Electric Vermont incentives — up to $4,000 for new EV.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Vermont utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- VT Department of Public Service: publicservice.vermont.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=VT — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Vermont
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Vermont installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Vermont installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Vermont solar
Does solar make sense in Vermont?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Vermont's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Vermont solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Vermont solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Vermont; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.