Vermont Incentives

While lacking in the vast solar resources of states like California and Arizona, the northeastern state of Vermont is making great strides in becoming an energy independent state. This is being accomplished through stable investments in renewable energy programs. Vermont receives approximately 4 kilowatt hours per meter of sunlight per day which is more than adequate for successful solar installations. Homeowners and businesses are both taking advantage of the programs in place to save money and energy through renewable sources including photovoltaic and wind systems. In addition, Vermont solar incentives are available for all residents and are making the switch to Vermont solar power much more affordable.

Vermont Solar and Small Wind Incentive Program

This program provides rebates to residential owners, businesses, farms, schools, builders, developers and local and state government facilities. It covers solar heating, photovoltaic (solar electric panels) wind and micro-hydro electric systems. It is perfect for homeowners deciding to purchase solar panels Vermont. The program funding is received from the Vermont Clean Energy Fund via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (ARRA) The program is designed to speed up the consumer demand for high grade solar and wind systems. It covers 20 to 25 percent of the cost of installation of approved solar and wind electrical generation systems. To be eligible, the systems must be installed by an approved solar installer of the Solar and Wind Partnership Program. These solar installers Vermont are easy to find especially through our 1-2-3 program.

Vermont Net Metering

Vermont’s net metering law creates a cost effective and simple path for customers of the utility companies to create their own energy. Any excess energy created is fed back into the grid and can make the electric meter run backwards, lowering the utility bill. The passing of the Vermont Energy Act of 2011 added the following changes, which included raising the cap from 250KW to 500KW while monetizing KWh credits. It also requires utilities to offer an incentive credit to net metered consumers. The added amount will be 20 cents minus the utilities highest residential or commercial rate over a ten-year period despite any fluctuations. Utilities with a rate of over 20 cents are exempt.

Statewide Vermont Solar Adder

This law, an additional part of the Vermont Energy Act of 2011, requires utilities to provide a 20-cent credit to solar net metering customers for units of produced energy. This program was modeled after Green Mountain Power’s SolarGMP program in order to add to the rebate credits already received and bring the total up 20 cents.

Additional Tax Credits and Loan Programs

There are also additional incentives available as tax breaks and loans to Vermont residents, if you decide to buy solar panels Burlington VT for example. The Clean Energy Development Fund offers programs available on their website. Information is available by contacting the CEDF. These programs are subject to frequent changes. Vermont residents may also take advantage of the Federal Energy Policy Act which provides a 30 percent tax break for all solar systems installed in a given tax year. These are easy to obtain by filing form 5695 along with the standard 1040.

Here to Help Vermonters Go Solar

123SolarPower is a leading nationwide provider of quality renewable energy systems. We have a team of solar experts in Vermont that are ready to help you better understand the many cost effective programs that are available. For up to date information on Vermont solar incentives and a free price quote on a custom system for your home or business, simply fill out the contact form on this site or call us today at 800-294-2397.

Frequently Asked Questions

When making any modifications to the home, questions always arise. In order to discern whether adding solar panels is a good idea for a given home, having answers to the most frequently asked questions can help. These answers can not only help a homeowner decide whether or not to install solar panels on their home, but they may also help to alleviate some fears and/or concerns that homeowners have about solar power.

Will solar panels benefit my home if I do not have constant access to the sun?

It is a myth that only sunny places like California and Hawaii can benefit from the installation of solar panels. While solar panels do generate more power in areas that have more access to the sun, there are solar panels that are capable of capitalizing on diffused solar rays. These are the kind of solar rays that fall on overcast days.

What incentives are available to me?

There are many incentives in place to help convince homeowners to install solar panels. For example there are tax credits at both the state and federal levels. While the tax credit value varies by state, to the credit ranges to upwards of 25% on installation up to $1,000. Furthermore, most solar power devices are sales tax exempt. The federal tax credit is 30% on installation with no limit. For more information about tax incentives in your state, call 800-294-2397 to speak with a solar consultant.

What is the difference between on the grid and off the grid?

On the grid refers to one still being attached to the electric grid and essentially creates a solar/electric hybrid system. Off the grid refers to relying solely on solar power as the home is completely disconnected from any electric grid.

While solar panels may be expensive to install, the long-term savings (both personally and as a member of society) really outweigh the upfront costs. Moreover, the tax breaks available (through 2016) can also help to recoup some of the costs.

Adding solar panels to your home can benefit you in many ways—including tax credits and a decrease in your electric bill. For more information, please complete the online form or call 800-294-2397.

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