Solar energy offers numerous benefits to homeowners in Vermont. Firstly, investing in a solar power system is an environmentally friendly decision. Solar panels produce clean energy by converting sunlight into electricity, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This significantly contributes to combating climate change and helps Vermont move towards a sustainable future. Secondly, installing solar panels on rooftops can help homeowners save money in the long run. By generating their own electricity, homeowners can reduce their dependence on the grid and avoid rising utility costs. Additionally, the excess energy produced by solar panels can be sold back to the grid through net metering programs, providing an opportunity to earn credits or even receive payments from the utility company. This not only reduces monthly electricity bills but also provides a reliable source of income for homeowners.
Moreover, solar power systems have a long lifespan, typically lasting over 25 years with minimal maintenance. Once installed, solar panels require little attention, as they have no moving parts that could wear out over time. This durability ensures homeowners can benefit from solar energy for decades without significant expenses or replacements. Furthermore, the installation of solar panels can increase the value of a property. Studies have shown that homes equipped with solar panels tend to sell at higher prices compared to those without. Buyers are increasingly attracted to energy-efficient properties with lower operating costs. Therefore, investing in solar energy not only provides immediate financial benefits but also enhances the overall property value. Lastly, homeowners can take advantage of various incentives and tax credits available in Vermont to make solar installation more affordable. These include the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct a significant portion of the solar system's cost from their federal taxes, further improving the return on investment.
A peak sun hour is an hour in the day when the intensity of the sunlight reaches an average of 1000 watts/meter².
State Homes Powered by Solar
Growth Projection: 145 MW over the next 5 years
At the most basic level, solar panels are devices that take in the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity or heat. Once the sun hits the panels, the energy is made into electricity. A solar inverter helps turn the electricity into power that can be used. The more panels you have on a roof, the more solar electricity you can produce! Solar panels generate their own power and as a result can offset your monthly electricity bill, if not eliminate it in 97035.
There are 63 solar policies and incentives in the state of Vermont. These incentives and tax credits help reduce the cost of solar panels in order to promote this source of renewable energy.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory states that every dollar that is saved on energy through solar increases home value by $20 in Vermont. More research shows that solar panels can add an average of $18,324 to the value of a medium-sized home.