Solar Energy
Solar energy offers homeowners and businesses fuel independence, price stability, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Solar energy refers to solar electric and, less commonly, solar hot water. In Vermont, investment in solar electric jumped 63% from 2013 to 2014, while system prices fell by 30%—making it an increasingly attractive choice for homes and businesses. This technology offers Vermonters a greater degree of energy self-reliance and price stability. And when paired with efficiency measures designed to lower electrical use, the financial benefits of solar electric can be significant.
Solar Electric PV
Photovoltaic (PV) panels are grouped in fixed arrays (rooftop or ground) or on trackers that tilt to follow the sun. Silicon panels turn sunlight into electricity, which is converted from DC to AC power by an inverter and run into the grid (or a battery, for off-grid installations). Net metering lets you use what you need and sell the excess power back to your utility. For rooftop installations, consider your building’s orientation and shading, as well as any structural improvements that may be required.
- Lock in your energy costs at a fixed price every month
- Net metering ensures you have power when you need it
- Affordable technology with commercial and residential applications
See state incentives for solar PV.
Solar Hot Water
Solar Electric: Own it or Share it
Distributed generation refers to homes or businesses with their own energy sources (like rooftop PV). When owning is impractical, options exist for buying from a shared solar resource—through group net metering. Many Vermont utilities also rely on solar for a substantial amount of the power they provide to their customers. Regardless of how you buy or produce it, solar energy is cost competitive with other sources of power.
- Distributed or centralized: flexible solutions for most situations
- Cost competitive with other forms of electricity
- No greenhouse gas emissions or pollutants