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Burlington solar costs $2.75–$3.05 per watt in 2026. A typical 10 kW system runs $27,500–$30,500. Burlington is served by BED — the lowest rates in Vermont and 100% renewable since 2014.
Avg Cost/Watt
$2.90/W
10 kW System
~$29,000
Federal ITC
$0
Cash Payback
~12 yr
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) Expired December 31, 2025
Burlington homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. Vermont has no state solar rebate either. All prices below are what you actually pay. PPA/lease providers can still claim Section 48/48E (30%) through July 4, 2026. VT solar without the tax credit
Burlington pricing reflects BED territory. The lowest per-watt costs in VT due to urban installer density, but the longest payback due to BED's low rates.
| System Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 6 kW | $16,500–$18,300 |
| 8 kW | $22,000–$24,400 |
| 10 kWMOST COMMON | $27,500–$30,500 |
| 12 kW | $33,000–$36,600 |
| 15 kW | $41,250–$45,750 |
Prices as of February 2026. Based on Burlington-area installer data and EnergySage VT marketplace. No federal 25D ITC ($0). No VT state rebate. 6% sales tax exempt on equipment and labor.
Burlington's unique BED territory, 100% renewable grid, and exclusion from EVT income bonuses shape the solar economics differently than anywhere else in Vermont.
Burlington Electric Department charges $0.1837/kWh — the lowest in Vermont. While this means lower electricity bills already, solar still provides bill protection, backup power potential, and property value increase. BED has its own interconnection process separate from GMP.
BED has been 100% renewable since 2014, making it one of the first utilities in the US to achieve this. Your solar power feeds into an already clean grid. The value proposition shifts toward bill savings, energy independence, and battery backup rather than carbon reduction.
BED customers are excluded from Efficiency Vermont income bonuses for heat pumps. This is unique to Burlington — GMP customers in Essex and South Burlington get $2,000/condenser income bonuses. For solar, this distinction does not apply, but it matters for solar+heat pump bundling.
Solar systems under 50 kW are exempt from property tax in Vermont. Your 10 kW system adds $0 to assessed value, saving approximately $400/year. This is automatic — no application needed.
Vermont exempts solar equipment, installation labor, and batteries from the 6% state sales tax. On a 10 kW system at ~$2.90/W, that saves ~$1,740. This savings is already reflected in the prices shown.
Burlington is home to UVM and several colleges. The mix of older Victorian homes near campus and newer construction in the New North End affects installation complexity. Older homes may need electrical panel upgrades ($1,500-$3,000).
How a 10 kW cash-purchased system pays back in Burlington with no federal credit, no state rebate, and BED's low rates.
Third-Party Ownership (TPO) Still Has the ITC
If you go with a PPA or lease, the financing company claims Section 48/48E (30%) on systems beginning construction before July 4, 2026. You get a lower monthly rate. You do not own the system, and NM credits typically go to the system owner.
Burlington is the only major VT city served by BED instead of GMP. This creates several important differences for solar homeowners.
| Feature | BED (Burlington) | GMP (Rest of VT) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Rate | $0.1837/kWh | $0.2146/kWh |
| 100% Renewable | Yes (since 2014) | Targeting 100% by 2030 |
| Battery Lease | Not available | $55/mo for 2 Powerwalls |
| BYOD Incentive | Not available | Up to $10,500 |
| TOU Rates | No | Yes ($0.1452/$0.3407) |
| EVT Income Bonus | Excluded | $2,000/condenser |
| Net Metering | VT standard (Cat I) | VT standard (Cat I) |
| Solar Payback | ~12 yr | ~11-13 yr |
Key takeaway: BED's lower rates mean a longer solar payback but also lower overall electricity costs. The biggest missed opportunity for BED customers is the GMP battery program — no $55/month Powerwall lease and no BYOD incentive (up to $10,500).
Burlington follows Vermont's statewide net metering rules, but the lower BED base rate means lower credit values.
NM rates declining: VT PUC has cut net metering rates 7 consecutive years. The longer you wait, the worse the economics. Lock in current rates before the next annual reduction.
Burlington has the lowest per-watt cost but the longest payback due to BED's low electricity rates.
| City | Cost/W | Payback |
|---|---|---|
| BurlingtonYOU ARE HERE | $2.75-$3.05/W | ~12 yr |
| Essex | $2.80-$3.10/W | ~11.8 yr |
| South Burlington | $2.80-$3.10/W | ~11.4 yr |
| Montpelier | $2.85-$3.15/W | ~12.5 yr |
| Rutland | $2.85-$3.15/W | ~12.5 yr |
Three paths to solar in Burlington. Each has different economics now that the federal credit is gone.
~$29,000 upfront. All NM credits and property tax savings go to you. Best long-term value with ~12-year payback.
25-year savings: ~$53,600
$0 down, 6-8% APR typical. You own the system and keep NM credits. VT credit unions often competitive. Monthly payment may exceed BED savings in early years.
Monthly: $230-$320 (15-20 yr terms)
$0 down. Financing company claims 48/48E (30%) — deadline July 4, 2026. You get reduced electricity rate. You do not own the system.
Monthly: ~$130-$190 (fixed PPA rate)
Solar panels in Burlington cost $2.75-$3.05 per watt installed in 2026, averaging about $2.90/W. For a typical 10 kW system, that is $27,500-$30,500. There is no federal tax credit (Section 25D expired December 31, 2025) and Vermont has no state solar rebate. The 6% sales tax exemption is already factored into pricing.
BED charges $0.1837/kWh — the lowest in VT. This makes the payback longer (~12 years) than GMP cities. However, solar still makes sense for: (1) protection against future rate increases, (2) property value boost (tax-exempt), (3) battery backup during outages, and (4) energy independence. Over 25 years, a 10 kW system saves approximately $53,600.
Yes, BED participates in Vermont's net metering program. Burlington residential systems (Category I, up to 15 kW) receive the positive adjustor, crediting excess production against your bill. However, BED's lower base rate means your NM credits are worth less per kWh than GMP territory. BED may have a different interconnection timeline than GMP.
No. The GMP battery lease program ($55/month for 2 Powerwalls) and BYOD incentive are exclusive to Green Mountain Power customers. BED customers can still buy batteries through any installer, but they will not get the GMP lease pricing or BYOD incentive. This is a significant difference from neighboring Essex and South Burlington (both GMP territory).
A cash-purchased 10 kW system in Burlington pays back in approximately 12 years. This is longer than GMP cities because BED's lower rate ($0.1837 vs $0.2146) means less dollar savings per kWh produced. After payback, you generate essentially free electricity for the remaining 15+ years of panel life.
No, if you buy with cash or a loan. Section 25D (the 30% residential solar ITC) expired December 31, 2025 under the OBBBA. However, if you go with a third-party owned system (PPA or lease), the financing company can still claim Section 48/48E (30%) on systems beginning construction before July 4, 2026. The TPO provider may pass some savings to you through a lower rate.
Complete VT energy guide
Statewide cost analysis
NM rates declining 7 straight years
6% sales tax + property tax exempt
GMP territory, $2.80-$3.10/W
GMP territory, larger systems
See exactly what solar costs for your Burlington home. We factor in BED rates, net metering credits, property tax exemption, and your roof specifics. No ITC padding — just real 2026 numbers.
Serving Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Winooski, and Chittenden County