Green Mountain Power solar: Vermont's utility and the famous Powerwall program

Green Mountain Power (GMP) is Vermont's largest electric utility and one of the most innovative utilities in the United States in terms of distributed solar and battery programs. For Vermont homeowners going solar in 2026, GMP offers full retail-rate net metering, Vermont's group net metering option, and a unique Powerwall battery leasing program that has received national attention as a model for integrating residential batteries into grid management. This guide covers everything Vermont homeowners need to know about going solar with GMP.

Green Mountain Power net metering

Vermont's net metering statute (30 V.S.A. § 219a) requires GMP and other Vermont utilities to credit residential solar owners for excess generation at the full retail electricity rate. In 2026, GMP's retail rate is approximately $0.22 to $0.28 per kilowatt-hour depending on rate class. Excess credits roll forward monthly. Vermont also allows group net metering, a policy unique among most states: neighbors or community members can share a solar installation and distribute net metering credits among multiple accounts, making solar accessible even for homeowners with shaded or unsuitable roofs.

Green Mountain Power's Powerwall program: what it is and how it works

GMP's Powerwall program is arguably the most innovative residential battery program in the United States. Here is how it works: GMP offers Vermont homeowners the option to lease a Tesla Powerwall battery for $55 per month — dramatically below the typical ownership cost of a Powerwall installation. In exchange, GMP retains the right to dispatch energy from the leased battery during peak grid demand events, drawing down the battery's stored energy to help manage Vermont's grid. The homeowner keeps the battery fully charged most of the time; GMP uses it for a few hours per year during peak events, after which the battery recharges automatically from grid power or the homeowner's solar panels.

For Vermont homeowners with solar panels, a leased GMP Powerwall provides: storm and outage resilience at low monthly cost, solar-charged storage for overnight use, and participation in Vermont's grid management program. The $55/month lease is not for everyone — if you want full, unconditional control of your battery at all times, ownership is the better path. But for most homeowners who want resilience without the $12,000–$14,000 ownership cost, the GMP lease program is an exceptional deal. Contact GMP directly for current program availability, as enrollment has periodically reached capacity and wait lists have formed.

GMP solar interconnection process

Solar interconnection with Green Mountain Power follows Vermont's standard residential interconnection process. Your installer submits an application to GMP, which reviews it for technical compliance with Vermont and GMP interconnection standards. For systems under 15 kW, the simplified interconnection track applies. After technical approval, you execute an interconnection agreement, installation proceeds, an inspector verifies the system, and GMP activates your bi-directional meter. Total timeline: typically 6 to 10 weeks. Other Vermont utilities — Burlington Electric Department (BED), Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), and Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC) — each have their own interconnection processes; if you are served by one of these, contact them directly, as terms may differ from GMP's.

Is solar worth it in Vermont with Green Mountain Power?

Vermont has lower solar irradiance than southern New England (approximately 3.8 to 4.3 peak sun hours daily) but competitive electricity rates and a supportive net metering policy. Most Vermont homeowners see solar payback in 7 to 10 years. The combination of GMP net metering, no Vermont sales tax on solar (Vermont does not levy sales tax on solar equipment), and the property tax exemption on solar-added value makes the net cost picture stronger than the gross price suggests. Vermont's winter weather and ice storm risk also make battery storage — whether through GMP's lease program or outright ownership — increasingly attractive for resilience. Full Vermont solar incentives. Vermont city guides.