Southern Vermont Solar Overview
Southern Vermont Solar is a solar installer based in Dummerston, Vermont, established in 2017. They serve the Windham County area as well as other parts of the state and are made up of about 25 employees. The company has shown moderate growth, with about $5 million in annual revenue.
The company focuses on residential and commercial installations at affordable rates. They will provide consulting, installation, and maintenance to customers. They use high-quality equipment, and all their technicians are experienced and state board certified, so those looking to invest in solar in Vermont are in good hands.
Southern Vermont Solar Services & Specifics
Specific types of solar systems offered
Residential systems: Southern Vermont Solar provides grid-tied, ground-mounted, and rooftop systems for residential services. Each system is designed around your home and area; therefore, the necessary materials will change based on the project at hand. For example, if your home is in an open, sunny area, it will probably be cheaper because you don’t need a lot of panels to generate sufficient power. All systems use mono-SI panels, however.
During the consultation, the company will offer optional add-ons like backup batteries, electric car charging ports, and heat pumps. The batteries are either Tesla Powerwall or EnPhase IQ batteries.
Commercial systems: Like residential systems, all commercial systems are grid-tied. They are not subcontractors, so commercial customers will work directly with the company, which usually means saving money. They have built systems that generate up to 685 kWh of power, so they have the capacity for some large projects. Both ground-mounted and rooftop systems are available. The add-ons like backup batteries are also available for commercial projects.
Most of their commercial customers are farms, which require a lot of power, but maybe not as much as a shopping center, so Southern Vermont Solar may not have the capacity for those looking into massive solar projects.
Installation Costs & Processes
Cost
Costs are about average from Southern Vermont Solar. Previous customers have stated that they were happy with the price they paid, and the company has offered many financing options. They will assist with all the necessary paperwork to take advantage of government rebates and tax incentives in Vermont and New Hampshire.
In addition, they have partnered with a local credit union to offer customers a 0% down solar loan. Solar customers will make payments for the next 7 to 12 years based on the price after the 26% federal ITC tax credit. This option is by far the cheapest way to afford solar. However, this only applies to residents of Vermont.
New Hampshire has its own programs that residents can take advantage of. The state offers a $1,000 rebate for new solar installations and energy credits for every 1000 kWh of power produced. These credits can be sold later. The company will assist in getting these two incentives while they are installing.
Legitimacy
The company has a Master Electrical License in the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. They are also certified PV installers. SVS is also fully insured by the state, and they are transparent and easy to get in contact with. There are no immediate red flags from the company, so they are legitimate.
In the short time they have been in business, they have accrued over 100 five-star ratings. This shows that they do not make any boastful claims and prove their worth with the work they do. They have partnerships with Enphase and Tesla, two of the biggest alternative energy companies in the world. Prospective customers do not have to worry about getting scammed, as the company’s reputation shows they will provide great service.
Maintenance
The company does provide maintenance and will offer a free repair if the malfunctioning part is under warranty. For those parts with expired warranties, they will offer a good price to repair them. They will help with wiring or inverter problems and will even help prevent animals from nesting.
Their commercial maintenance plan is a bit more robust due to the higher number of moving parts in a commercial system. Preventative monitoring plans are available to troubleshoot and repair existing systems. A rapid response team can also be called to repair or replace any equipment that fails during peak hours for the business. Both systems can be upgraded or retrofitted by the company at a low cost.
The SolarEmpower View
Southern Vermont Solar is a company that has a solid pedigree and has provided many customers with fantastic solar systems. Their expertise shows in their work, and we recommend them to those living in the area. Whether residential or commercial, Southern Vermont Solar is a solid company you can trust.
