BurlingtonSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Burlington homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and Burlington Electric Department net metering. At 4 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $120/month bill (about 857 kWh) needs roughly a 8.9 kW system — 23 panels — and pays back in about 11.6 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Burlington
Solar incentives in Burlington come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Vermont does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, Burlington Electric Department sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Burlington Electric runs a 100% renewable municipal grid with net metering and local solar incentives, separate from Green Mountain Power territory.
How Much Solar Burlington Homes Produce
Burlington gets 4 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,168 kWh per year here. A 8.9 kW system — the size that fits a typical $120/month Burlington Electric Department bill — generates roughly 10,395 kWh annually, worth about $1,455 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Burlington Electric Department Net Metering in Burlington
Burlington Electric Department credits excess solar generation from Burlington homes under Vermont's modified net metering (~70–90% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Vermont net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Burlington?
At Vermont's 2026 average of $3.10/watt, the 8.9 kW system most Burlington homes need runs about $27,590 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $8,277 — landing the net cost near $19,313, with payback around 11.6 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
See your exact Burlington solar savings
Enter your Burlington Electric Department bill and we'll apply every Vermont and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.