Solar savings & payback in Vermont
Vermont runs about 22¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 22¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~3.6 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
- Export credit
- Full retail (1:1)
State incentive: Full 1:1 netting and high rates offset the cloudier climate.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Vermont compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Vermont sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
22¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Higher rates make every solar kWh worth more
Solar generation
~3.6 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
9.9 years
US average: 10.6 years
Faster than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Vermont
Computed with Vermont's rate (22¢/kWh), sun (~3.6 kWh/kW/day), and full 1:1 net metering, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~432 kWh | ~$1,140 | ~9.6 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~648 kWh | ~$1,711 | ~9.6 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~864 kWh | ~$2,281 | ~9.6 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,080 kWh | ~$2,851 | ~9.6 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Vermont
Net metering with a small solar adder/subtractor depending on siting.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
Vermont solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Vermont in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Vermont system pays for itself in about 9.9 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 22¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1), the economics are solid for most suitable roofs.
How much does a solar system cost in Vermont?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 648 kWh a month in Vermont's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Vermont?
Net metering with a small solar adder/subtractor depending on siting.
Does Vermont have a state solar incentive?
Full 1:1 netting and high rates offset the cloudier climate. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Vermont?
A 6.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Vermont, that's roughly 16 modern 425W panels needing about 423 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.