Solar Opportunities - Vermont

Solar Offerings and Incentives

All across Vermont, it is possible to find a qualified contractor to install rooftop solar on homes and businesses. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for a limited time offer of discounted purchase prices or may be able to purchase solar power without actually installing the equipment on your property.  These community or shared solar opportunities are listed below.  Of course, you can always install solar on your home by hiring a qualified solar installer, even if you don’t live in one of these program areas.  If so, don’t forget to claim the state and federal tax incentives.

State and Local Incentives

Property Tax Exemption

In Vermont, cities and towns are allowed to offer an exemption from residential property taxes for the full assessed value of a solar or other energy system. Because this is a local option, not all towns have adopted it so be sure to check. For more information on eligibility requirements can be found here.

Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar

Photovoltaic systems up to 10 kilowatts in size can be 100% exempt from state property taxes in Vermont. More information on this tax exemption and how to claim it can be found here.

Renewable Energy Systems Sales Tax Exemption

Vermont also offers a 100% sales tax exemption for the cost of a solar or other renewable energy system. The exemption only applies to solar water heat, solar thermal electric, and solar photovoltaic systems up to 250 kilowatts. Eligibility requirements and information on how to claim this tax exemption can be found here.

Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program

This is a state rebate program that supports small scale renewable energy production. The rebate amount depends on the sector and the type of system being installed, but can total $2,500-$3000. More information can be found here.

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing – Local Option

In Vermont, the state has authorized municipalities to offer PACE financing. This program allows property owners to borrow money to pay for clean energy systems. This program is a local option, so check with your local government to find out if it is available in your town. Eligibility requirements and more information can be found here.

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

A federal-level investment tax credit (ITC) is now available to consumers wanting to purchase small wind turbines, solar panels, or geothermal heat pumps.  The ITC, written into law through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is available for equipment installed from Oct. 3, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2016. The credit covers 30% of the equipment cost, though some technologies have a credit cap of $2000. More details and a complete list of eligible technologies can be found here.

Local programs

Solarize

This program offers bulk discount pricing, access to affordable financing, and streamlined installations for the residents of solarize towns. Solarize Vermont makes going solar easy by to competitively choosing an installer. You can even get a free, no obligation site consultation to see if your residence qualifies.

Eligibility: Solarize Town Residents

New Solarize programs may be offered in other towns in 2015.  If interested, check here for additional information.

Putney Community Solar

This program was developed by the Clean Energy Collective and has a large solar array from which customers can purchase solar power blocks.

Eligibility: Customers of Green Mountain Power

More information can be found here.

Rutland County Community Solar Project

This community solar project allows community members to own the installation, and reap the benefits of going solar, and receive monthly bill credits on their electricity bill.

Eligibility: Customers of Green Mountain Power

More information can be found here.