As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and fluctuate and renewable energy technologies become increasingly affordable, more and more Vermonters are turning to solar energy to lower utility costs, increase energy independence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For homeowners, businesses, and municipalities alike, solar has become one of the most cost-effective and accessible clean energy solutions available today. And it's only getting better. 

Solar – on a rooftop, a small plug-in unit, or utility-scale – helps families, schools, businesses, and towns better predict and control their energy expenditures, supporting Vermont jobs and strengthening our clean energy economy in the process. 

Despite the loss of the traditional community solar model in 2025 , Vermonters still have multiple pathways to access and benefit from solar. These pathways include traditional rooftop solar through Vermont's net-metering program, newly authorized plug-in solar systems, utility incentive programs, and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing for commercial, nonprofit, agricultural, multifamily, and institutional properties. So, while Vermont's solar landscape has changed significantly in recent years, opportunities to reduce energy costs and generate clean electricity still exist. 

As Vermont's solar landscape continues to evolve, VNRC remains committed to maintaining and updating this toolbox to help communities, businesses, institutions, and residents navigate available solar opportunities. Even as the policies, programs, and technologies continue to change, our goal – to help Vermonters explore practical options to bring solar projects online swiftly, affordably, and responsibly – remains that same as it’s always been.

In this toolkit, we begin with currently available solar opportunities in Vermont, followed by general best practices and permitting considerations. We then provide background on Vermont's community solar experience, including resources and models that may inform future shared-solar opportunities. As you read, we encourage you to explore the linked resources for additional models, guidelines, and project templates.