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Get a Free QuoteZillow research shows solar adds 4.1% to home value — approximately $14,350 on Vermont's $350K median. Vermont property tax exemption saves $300-750/year. Sales tax exemption expires June 30, 2026.
Zillow's research found a consistent 4.1% premium for owned solar systems. Here is what that means for Vermont homes at various price points.
Note: Premium applies to owned (cash or loan) systems. Leased solar adds limited formal appraisal value. See the owned vs. leased comparison below.
Rural VT buyers increasingly value energy independence and stable bills.
Vermont median home price (Q1 2026). Most common scenario.
Larger systems on larger homes — more compelling value proposition for buyers.
Premium buyers increasingly expect solar as a standard feature in this range.
Zillow's 4.1% national average holds well for Vermont. New England states with high electricity rates and environmentally conscious buyers tend to see premiums at or above the national average. Vermont's solar-positive policy environment — strong net metering, permanent property tax exemption, and a statewide CPG system — reinforces buyer confidence in solar-equipped homes.
An 11 kW system might add $25,000 to assessed value. At a 2.0% effective tax rate, the exemption saves $500/year. Over 25 years: $12,500.
After June 30, 2026, Vermont 6% sales tax applies to solar equipment unless the legislature extends the exemption.
Whether you own or lease your solar system has major implications when you sell. Here is exactly what happens at closing.
Full 4.1% premium applies
System is sold with the house — straightforward. Seller typically gets the full Zillow premium.
Net metering account transfers to new owner after simple utility paperwork.
Limited — often $0 in formal appraisals; buyer must agree to assume the contract
Buyer must qualify to assume the lease and the leasing company must approve the transfer.
Net metering stays with the lease/PPA — transfers to buyer with the contract.
Submit a change of account form online. New owner takes over the net metering account. Credits roll to new account. Typically 5-10 business days.
No transfer fee
Call VEC member services. Account holder change required. Net metering balance may or may not transfer — confirm with VEC at time of sale.
No fee; member transfer required
New owner must establish BED account and request net metering continuation. Contact BED energy services at time of closing.
No fee
Net metering credits accumulated before closing belong to the selling homeowner under Vermont law. At closing, you should either: (1) negotiate a credit for the accumulated balance as part of the sale agreement, or (2) apply accumulated credits to your final utility bill before the account closes. Work with your real estate attorney to handle this — Vermont PUC has provided guidance that credits cannot simply be transferred to a buyer's new account.
Yes. Zillow research (2019, replicated in subsequent studies) found that homes with solar sell for a 4.1% premium on average nationally. On Vermont's 2026 median home price of approximately $350,000, that translates to roughly $14,350 in added value. Vermont buyers are particularly solar-savvy — high electricity prices, strong environmental values, and familiarity with net metering make solar a recognized asset. The premium is strongest for owned systems (cash or loan-purchased). Leased solar adds less documented value because appraisers often exclude lease obligations from formal valuations.
Yes. Vermont provides a statewide property tax exemption for renewable energy systems under 32 V.S.A. § 3832. This means a solar array that might otherwise add $20,000-30,000 to your assessed home value results in no increase in property taxes. The exemption is permanent with no sunset date and applies statewide — individual towns cannot opt out. For a typical Vermont property tax rate of 1.5-2.5%, this saves $300-750 per year, or $7,500-18,750 over 25 years.
Yes, but only until June 30, 2026. Vermont currently exempts solar equipment and installation from the 6% state sales tax under 32 V.S.A. § 9741(15). On a $34,000 system, that saves approximately $2,040. This exemption is scheduled to expire June 30, 2026. After that date, the 6% tax applies unless the Vermont legislature acts to extend it. If you are considering solar, installing before June 30, 2026 preserves this savings — but the permitting process takes 2-4 months, so begin soon.
Vermont net metering transfers with the solar system when you sell your home. The process varies slightly by utility. For GMP customers, a simple online change-of-account form handles the transfer. For VEC, a member account change is required. For BED, the new owner contacts BED to continue the arrangement. At closing, provide the buyer with your inverter login, CPG approval number, and net metering account details. Any accumulated credits at the time of sale belong to the departing customer — negotiate how to handle credit balances as part of your sale agreement.
Leased solar (PPA or traditional lease) adds complexity to a Vermont home sale, though it does not necessarily hurt it. The buyer must qualify to assume the lease (the leasing company runs a credit check), and some buyers are uncomfortable taking on a 20-year contract they did not originate. Formal real estate appraisals often exclude the value of a leased system — the panels are not owned by the homeowner. In practice, buyers in Vermont often accept solar leases when the monthly payment is below current utility rates. However, if the buyer refuses, you may need to buy out the lease before closing — buyout costs vary widely depending on remaining term and contract terms.
Vermont requires disclosure of all material facts affecting property value. For solar: (1) disclose all equipment, whether owned or leased, on the Vermont Property Disclosure form; (2) disclose any UCC liens from solar loans — these must appear on title and be paid off or formally transferred at closing; (3) attach the full lease or PPA contract to the purchase agreement if the buyer is assuming it; (4) provide the CPG number from the Vermont PUC; and (5) disclose any ground-mount systems that might affect lot coverage calculations. Your real estate attorney and title company should coordinate these disclosures at closing.
Owned solar adds real, documented value to Vermont homes. Sales tax exemption expires June 30, 2026 — save $2,000 by installing before the deadline. Start your custom design today.
Free custom design. Sales tax exemption expires June 30, 2026.