Solar Panel Installation in Burlington, VT
Local sun, utility rules, permits and installers
Burlington has about 1,030 kWh a year per kW of rooftop solar (our estimate). Your utility decides what exported power earns, so see the rules for Burlington Electric below, then get quotes.
Burlington solar at a glance
Utility rules and programs for Burlington
Burlington Electric serves homes in Burlington.
| Utility | Type | Solar export rule |
|---|---|---|
| City of Burlington Electric | city-owned | Burlington Electric credits excess generation at its blended residential rate under Rule 5.100; its generation meter costs about $150 and the city must inspect the system before BED turns it on. The current credit figure is not confirmed, so ask BED. |
Program details are from each utility’s own pages (read October 2026). See the Vermont incentives table for statewide credits and a status for every program.
Permits and approvals in Burlington
- Building and Trades Division, Permitting and Inspections (City of Burlington): permit information · 802-865-7000
- The city says permits are required for all new electrical work and alterations, including in owner-occupied single-family homes. Applications can be mailed, emailed or dropped off at 645 Pine Street.
- The utility must approve the connection before you switch on: Burlington Electric solar power page · your own utility’s interconnection page.
- Check any contractor on the Vermont licensed electricians list before you sign.
- Deed restrictions and covenants cannot prohibit solar collectors, though an association may choose the roof location within 45 degrees of due south if it does not hurt output (27 V.S.A. 544).
Fees and steps change; confirm with the office before you start. We have not verified timelines for Burlington.
Costs and savings
We do not have verified installed prices for Burlington alone. The Vermont figures above show what to expect; real quotes depend on your home, equipment and installer. Try the solar savings calculator, and get at least two written quotes.
Choosing an installer
- License: check the contractor on the Vermont licensed electricians list and that the license covers this work.
- Quote: ask for an itemized written quote that names the equipment, warranties and who pulls the permit and handles the utility approval.
- Compare: get two or three quotes and compare them line by line, not only the total.
Get solar quotes in Burlington
Tell us about your project in Burlington. We reply ourselves and match you with a licensed installer who serves your area. It is free, with no obligation, and nothing is shared with an installer unless you choose one.
More for Burlington
Home Battery Installation in Burlington · Backup Generator Installation in Burlington · Home EV Charger Installation in Burlington · Burlington energy guide · Vermont energy guide.
Solar Panel Installation in Burlington FAQs
Is solar worth it in Burlington?
The sun is strong (about 1,030 kWh a year per kW, our estimate), but export credits are low, so solar pays most when sized to what you use at home or paired with a battery. See the Vermont incentives for the state credit.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
No. The federal 25D credit ended for expenditures after December 31, 2025. Vermont has no state solar income tax credit that we confirmed, but net-metering equipment is exempt from the 6% sales tax and net-metered solar under 50 kW is exempt from municipal property tax.
Do I need a permit for solar panels in Burlington?
Usually yes, and the utility may need to approve solar and batteries. Building and Trades Division, Permitting and Inspections (City of Burlington) handles permits in Burlington; see the permit information above.
How do I find a licensed installer in Burlington?
Use the quote button on this page. We reply ourselves and match you with a licensed installer who serves your area; you can check any contractor on the Vermont licensed electricians list.
Sources: sunshine and climate NASA POWER; hazards FEMA National Risk Index; utility numbers EIA-861 (2024); prices EnergySage (October 2026) and Generac (U.S.); credits IRS and the Vermont Department of Taxes; permit information from the city or town’s own page; utility programs from each utility’s own pages (October 2026). General information, not financial, tax, legal or electrical advice. See our editorial policy.