Cost of solar in Vermont: what it really costs in 2026
Solar in Vermont costs $3.00–$3.40/watt installed. No sales tax, GMP net metering, and the famous Powerwall lease program at $55/month make Vermont's solar economics stronger than the raw sun-hours number suggests.
Vermont is not the sunniest state in the country — 3.8 to 4.3 peak sun hours daily puts it below Massachusetts and well below Florida. But Vermont's solar economics are stronger than the sun-hours number alone suggests, because of what surrounds the gross system cost: no sales tax on solar equipment, a property tax exemption on solar-added home value, Green Mountain Power's full retail-rate net metering, and the most unusual utility battery program in America — GMP's $55/month Powerwall lease. This guide gives you the real Vermont solar cost picture.
What solar costs in Vermont in 2026
Installed solar in Vermont runs $3.00 to $3.40 per watt, with $3.20 a common midpoint. For common residential system sizes:
- 6 kW system — $18,000–$20,400. Common for smaller Vermont homes. Produces roughly 7,000–7,800 kWh/year.
- 8 kW system — $24,000–$27,200. Most common residential size. Produces roughly 9,300–10,400 kWh/year.
- 10 kW system — $30,000–$34,000. For larger homes or battery integration. Produces 11,600–13,000 kWh/year.
- GMP Powerwall lease add-on — $55/month through GMP's program. See the Powerwall program guide for terms. No upfront cost for the battery.
The federal solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025 and does not apply to 2026 Vermont installations. Vermont also currently has no state income tax credit for residential solar. What Vermont does offer: no sales tax on solar equipment (Vermont exempts solar from its 6% sales tax), a property tax exemption, and GMP's excellent net metering program.
Vermont payback math
An 8 kW Vermont system producing 10,000 kWh/year at GMP's retail rate of $0.25/kWh offsets approximately $2,500/year. Net system cost after no-sales-tax advantage ($24,000 minus the $1,440 you would have paid in states with 6% sales tax): approximately $22,500. Payback: roughly 9 years. Over 25 years, net savings approach $40,000 at today's rates. Add Vermont's record of electricity rate increases and the savings number grows further.
Battery storage: own vs. lease the GMP Powerwall
Vermont homeowners considering battery storage face a genuinely unusual decision. GMP's Powerwall lease at $55/month is an exceptional deal for homeowners who want resilience without a large upfront investment. Over 10 years, the lease costs $6,600 — versus $12,000–$14,000 to own. The trade-off: GMP can dispatch the leased battery during peak grid events, drawing it down for a few hours per year. For most homeowners, that trade is highly favorable. If you want unconditional control of your battery at all times — for medical equipment, business, or personal preference — own it instead. Full GMP Powerwall program details.