Are there any rebates or incentives for solar in Vermont?

In all states, there is a 26% federal tax credit available for both business and homeowners. For homeowners the system must be installed by the end of 2022 to get the 26% tax credit. Unless Congress makes any changes, the credit drops to 22% for systems installed in 2023. Then it drops to zero, after that.

For businesses, construction must be commenced by the end of 2022 and the system must be completed in a diligent fashion after that to qualify for the 26%. For businesses, the credit drops to 22% for 2023 and then to 10% after that.

Click here for more details for businesses. Click here for more details for homeowners.

At this point, there are no state incentives for homeowners in Vermont. These ended in 2014. As the cost of solar became less, they were not needed.

Businesses can take a state tax credit equal to 24% of the federal tax credit.

There is a sales tax exemption for solar materials in Vermont.

As a business owner, do I get any special incentives for solar?

Businesses can depreciate 85% of the cost of their renewable energy system on their federal taxes. This is known as Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS). Click here for more details.

Are there any rebates or incentives for solar in New York state?

There is a NY State Residential Solar Tax Credit. This program can provide a 25% personal state tax credit up to $5000. Click here  for more details.

NY-Sun has a megawatt block incentive program. The benefit varies depending on how much of this incentive is used up. Click here for more details.

Click here for more details for businesses.

There is a sales tax exemption for solar materials in New York state.

How Does Net Metering Work?

This is available in both VT and NY. A solar electric system that is connected to the utility grid is net metered. The solar electricity generated will feed the electric loads in the house or business first. Any extra will go back to the utility and run your meter backwards! So, all the energy you produce is credited to you at full retail value. Any credits you receive can be rolled over for 12 months. So, when your system produces extra credits in the summer, you can use these extra credits to reduce your electric bill in the winter.

Can I install more solar than I need and give the extra to someone else?

As a solar producer, you have the ability to send your excess monthly electric production to another electric user. In Vermont this is called group net metering. In NY state, it is called virtual net metering. This allows owners of solar systems to sell (or give) any excess electricity to others who may not have the financial means, or physical space necessary to install solar. This is useful for building community solar systems. One larger system can be built that benefits many members of the community!

Can you remove the solar from my roof so I can replace the roof?

Yes, we are happy to help you with this work. Please get in touch with us here.

Do you do repairs on solar systems that you did not install?

Yes, we are happy to help you with this work. Please get in touch with us here.

How do I pay for solar?

Most people need to take out a loan to pay for solar.

We can offer you financing for the solar system. However, we have found that most of our customers do better if we help them with finding financing independent from us. Contractor financing requires the contractor to pay fees to the financing organization. If we help you get a loan independent of us, you can save money! The Vermont State Employee’s Credit Union (VSECU) has many loan options for financing your solar array.  Click here for more information..

Businesses in Vermont might be able to take advantage of a discounted VEDA loan for part of the sost of the project. VEDA is a State-supported nonprofit organization that helps businesses and farmers make investments in their business including renewable energy projects like solar! Click here for some of their energy-related options.

In NY state, on-bill financing and other options are available from NYSERDA. For homeowners, please click here for how to apply. For small business owners or non-profits, please click here.

For all small businesses in rural areas (all of Vermont and most of the NY North Country are considered rural), there are funds available from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program can provide up to a 25% grant and a guaranteed loan for renewable energy projects for rural small businesses.  It is a competitive grant with a lengthy application process. However, chances are good of being successful. Click here for more information.

What permits do I need to install solar?

We take care of system permitting for all of our customers. For most of Vermont, the process is quite simple. A net metering registration or permit is required. We apply for this online. There are rarely any issues for all but the biggest of commercial scale systems. Some cities in Vermont also require local building permits. Burlington, Winooski and Colchester are some examples.

In NY state, there are local permits in most municipalities. As NY-Sun provides state incentives, there are also incentive applications to be submitted. Again, we take care of all of the paperwork for all of our customers.

Can I install solar on the roof of my business or manufacturing plant?

Yes. These systems often give you the best savings. Larger systems have an economy of scale, Also, businesses get better federal tax benefits than homeowners.