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South Burlington solar costs $2.80–$3.10 per watt in 2026. A typical 11 kW system runs $30,800–$34,100. Higher-value homes support larger systems on GMP territory with TOU rates and battery access.
Avg Cost/Watt
$2.95/W
11 kW System
~$32,450
Federal ITC
$0
Cash Payback
~11.2 yr
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) Expired December 31, 2025
South Burlington homeowners receive $0 in federal tax credits for cash/loan purchases. No VT state rebate. PPA/lease providers can still claim 48/48E (30%) through July 4, 2026. VT solar without the tax credit
Larger average systems reflect higher-value homes with more electricity usage.
| System Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 7 kW | $19,600–$21,700 |
| 9 kW | $25,200–$27,900 |
| 11 kWMOST COMMON | $30,800–$34,100 |
| 13 kW | $36,400–$40,300 |
| 16 kW | $44,800–$49,600 |
Prices as of February 2026. No 25D ITC ($0). No VT rebate. 6% sales tax exempt.
Higher-value homes, GMP battery access, and proximity to Burlington's installer market.
South Burlington is GMP at $0.2146/kWh. TOU: $0.1452 off-peak, $0.3407 on-peak (weekdays 4-9 PM). Solar+battery on TOU maximizes savings through peak-shaving.
South Burlington has higher median home values than most VT cities. Homes tend to be larger and newer, supporting 11+ kW systems. Larger systems have slightly lower per-watt costs due to economies of scale. More roof area means more production potential.
GMP customers qualify for Powerwall lease ($55/month for 2 units) or BYOD (up to $10,500). Unlike neighboring Burlington (BED), South Burlington gets full GMP battery benefits. Deadline: 2026-09-30.
Solar under 50 kW is property tax exempt. With South Burlington's higher home values, the exemption is especially valuable — saves ~$400/yr or more.
Homes near Burlington International Airport may have FAA height restrictions or flight path considerations. Most rooftop solar does not trigger FAA review, but ground-mount systems near the airport should verify clearance. The airport area also has fewer tall trees, meaning less shading.
Saves ~$1,947 on a 11 kW system. Already reflected in pricing.
TPO Still Has the ITC
PPA/lease providers claim 48/48E (30%) through July 4, 2026. You get a lower rate but do not own the system.
South Burlington GMP customers get full battery program access — unlike Burlington BED.
$55/mo for 2 Powerwall 3 (27 kWh)
10-year term
Waitlist: 1,200++
$950/kW, max $10,500
+$100/kW for existing solar
Deadline: 2026-09-30
| City | Cost/W | Payback |
|---|---|---|
| South BurlingtonYOU ARE HERE | $2.80-$3.10/W | ~11.2 yr |
| Burlington | $2.75-$3.05/W | ~13.5 yr |
| Essex | $2.80-$3.10/W | ~11.8 yr |
| Montpelier | $2.85-$3.15/W | ~12.5 yr |
| Brattleboro | $2.80-$3.10/W | ~12.3 yr |
Solar panels in South Burlington cost $2.80-$3.10/W in 2026, averaging ~$2.95/W. A typical 11 kW system runs $30,800-$34,100. No federal tax credit (25D expired). No VT state rebate. 6% sales tax exempt.
South Burlington has higher-value homes with more roof area and higher electricity usage (more AC, EV charging, etc.). The average system is 11 kW vs 9-10 kW in other VT cities. Larger systems benefit from economies of scale — the per-watt cost drops slightly.
South Burlington (GMP) has a faster solar payback than Burlington (BED). GMP's higher rate ($0.2146 vs $0.1837) means more savings per kWh. South Burlington also gets GMP's battery program, TOU rates, and the $2,000 heat pump income bonus — none available to Burlington BED customers.
Yes. Powerwall lease: $55/month for 2 units. BYOD: up to $10,500 (deadline 2026-09-30). TOU arbitrage with a battery can add ~$200-400/year in additional savings.
A cash-purchased 11 kW system pays back in ~11.2 years. 25-year net savings: ~$66,593. The larger system size means higher total savings over the system's life.
Not for cash/loan purchases (25D expired Dec 31, 2025). PPA/lease providers can still claim 48/48E (30%) through July 4, 2026. The financing company claims the credit.
See what solar costs for your South Burlington home. GMP rates, TOU optimization, battery program, and your specific roof — real 2026 numbers.
Serving South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, and Chittenden County