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Rhode Island Solar Panel Buyers Guide (Installation & Efficiency 2023)
By Dan Simms /
Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island (2023 Reviews)
In this guide to Rhode Islands’ best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
- What are our top picks for solar companies in Rhode Island?
- What should you look for when choosing a Rhode Island solar provider?
- How do you find cost savings on Rhode Island solar installation?
What Are Rhode Island’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies?
Rhode Island sees an average of 202 sunny days a year — the national average is 205 days — making solar a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the Ocean State. But despite making huge gains in solar installations in the past decade, Rhode Island fell to 29th place for new solar installations in 2022, down from 24th in 2021.1
Below, we list the top five solar companies that we believe are helping Rhode Island regain its solar power rank and reach ambitious renewable energy goals in the next decade. Our list of solar installers is specific to Rhode Island homeowners, and we cover the pros and cons of each company’s solar panel quality, warranties offered, financing options and more.
Note that because Rhode Island is a small and densely populated state, there aren’t many solar companies dedicated to serving just Rhode Island — most offer clean energy throughout New England.
- SunPower: Best National Provider
- Green Power Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Summit Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Trinity Solar: Solar Veteran
- Sol Power: Outstanding Local Installer
Below you will find our reviews of the best solar panel companies in Rhode Island. If you’re ready to get connected to one of these installers, click the buttons below.
SunPower
Best National Provider
Pros
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Founded in 1985, SunPower is one of America’s biggest names in solar, and its quality holds up in Rhode Island. The company, which operates across the entire U.S., has several authorized dealers in Rhode Island, including Southern Light Solar LLC and Newport Renewables.
We recommend SunPower because of its solar panels, which are sustainable, highly efficient, are Cradle to Cradle certified and come with an all-inclusive 25-year warranty. Rhode Island has one of the most ambitious renewable energy goals in the country — 100% clean energy by 2030 — and SunPower has set its sights on helping the state achieve its goal.
One downside of SunPower is that because it is not local to Rhode Island, the quality of customer service can depend on which SunPower dealer you hire and the electricians it contracts with. To get the best experience possible, research the particular Rhode Island SunPower dealer you want to work with before you begin your solar project.
Facts and Figures: SunPower
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 5 |
| A+ |
| 1985 |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
| SunPower Panels |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Green Power Energy
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Outstanding customer service
- Multitude of products and services
Cons
- Relatively young company
Although Green Power Energy is headquartered in New Jersey, it provides solar panel, home battery and EV charger installations in Rhode Island and throughout the Northeast.
We like Green Power Energy for Rhode Island homeowners because it offers a wide selection of solar equipment and financing options. This company’s diverse solar financing options include $0-down solar leases and loans, and it partners with top solar brands like Panasonic and Tesla solar to provide industry-leading equipment.
Green Power also has hundreds of excellent online reviews from satisfied customers. With several solar industry certifications, including from the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Green Power has a solid reputation for high-quality service and products.
However, Green Power Energy is based in New Jersey, which could be a downside for Rhode Island residents. It does complete solar installations in Rhode Island, but those installations may not take priority due to location.
Facts and Figures: Green Power Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Solar Roof Shingles, EV Chargers |
Summit Energy
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Many financing options
Cons
- Relatively young company
In Rhode Island, traditional utility rates cost 21% more than the U.S. average.2 Summit Energy can help you reduce those costs with multiple solar services like solar panel and battery installations, community solar and energy-efficient upgrades.
Summit Energy has completed hundreds of solar installations throughout the Northeast, despite being founded more recently in 2016. Although Summit Energy is relatively new to the industry, its website states its leadership has experience installing solar since 1977.
Along with solar panel installations, Summit Energy also emphasizes energy-efficiency upgrades for Rhode Island homeowners, which means it can show you even more ways to lower your electricity bills. It also offers excellent warranty coverage, guaranteeing equipment and labor for up to 30 years and roof penetrations for 25 years. Summit Energy in Mansfield, Massachusetts, (close to the Rhode Island border) has a rating of 4.9 stars based on nearly 500 Google Reviews, signaling that it offers top-notch customer service.
While Summit Energy may not have as much industry experience as its competitors, we still like this solar company for its industry-leading warranty coverage, NABCEP-certified professionals on staff and flexible financing options.
Facts and Figures: Summit Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades, Community Solar |
Trinity Solar
Solar Veteran
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Cons
- Limited service area
Trinity Solar is a veteran solar installer that services seven states in the Northeast, including Rhode Island. Although Trinity Solar has been in business since 1994, it expanded to the Ocean State more recently in 2016.
In fact, Trinity’s West Wareham, Massachusetts, office is conveniently located near the border, so Rhode Island residents will likely receive local-level treatment.
Between its nine locations, Trinity Solar has installed more than 65,000 throughout the states it services.
We like that Trinity Solar has over 25 years of experience in the solar industry, offers $0 upfront solar financing options and has NABCEP-certified technicians. Trinity Solar also handles its solar installations in-house, which means its employees have more experience with the products and services it offers. All of these benefits can give you greater confidence that your system will be installed properly.
A downside to Trinity Solar is its mixed customer reviews. Some reviews on the BBB mention slow responses to warranty claims, a lack of communication and installation delays. However, it also has many positive reviews on the platform from customers who emphasize how easy it was to go solar with Trinity. As with any company that serves multiple states, your experience will likely depend on the quality of your local crew.
Facts and Figures: Trinity Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
Sol Power
Outstanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Excellent reputation
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Locally owned and operated
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Sol Power is a locally owned and operated solar company with a single office in Providence, Rhode Island. Sol Power prides itself on providing highly personalized and prompt service that neighborhood installers are known for, and they only service customers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Sol Power is a cooperative, meaning its employees own the company, and company profits are distributed among those employees. On its website, Sol Power states that it invests in its work so that employees are more invested in their customers. And clearly, this business model works: Sol Power has excellent customer reviews.
Sol Power also sources its solar materials and electrical hardware locally in Rhode Island and from surrounding states. So when you hire Sol Power, you’ll also be investing in the local community.
One drawback of Sol Power is that it offers fewer financing options. It also lacks a wide variety of solar brands and services, a natural disadvantage of smaller, locally owned businesses. But Sol Power’s employees can work with you to see which products will be best for your Rhode Island home.
Facts and Figures: Sol Power
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Rhode Island
Taking the time to compare quotes, ask questions and find local solar incentives are the best ways Rhode Islanders can save money on solar panels. We also recommend paying for your solar panels in cash when possible. Below are some tips on how to save money when looking for a solar company in Rhode Island.
Find Local and Federal Incentives and Rebates
Rhode Island has progressive state policies and plenty of local rebates that you can take advantage of. As a homeowner, you’re also eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit. We’ve listed the top solar incentives in Rhode Island below, but you can also talk with your solar contractor about how to apply and qualify for each.
| Rhode Island Solar Incentive | Description |
| Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal solar investment tax credit, or ITC, allows homeowners to claim 30% of their system costs as a credit against the federal taxes they owe. The credit has been extended through 2034 under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. However, the credit will decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before it expires in 2035. |
| Net Energy Metering (NEM) | Through net metering programs, any extra energy your solar energy system produces is sent to the grid in exchange for utility company credits that you can use toward your next month’s bill. |
| Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program | This is a program similar to net metering, but the payout is higher in most cases. National Grid’s Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program awards customers between 24 and 29 cents for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) their solar power system produces for the first 15 years. |
| Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (REF) | REF provides grants for renewable energy projects that have the potential to produce electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis and applications are due by March every year. You can check the website for availability. |
| Residential Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption | Rhode Island has a 100% property tax exemption for eligible renewable energy projects. |
| Renewable Energy Products Sales and Use Tax Exemption | Rhode Island has a 100% sales tax exemption for eligible renewable energy projects. |
Get Multiple Quotes From Different Solar Companies
It may be tempting to go with the first quote you get from a solar installer, but taking the time to get multiple quotes can save you money.
We recommend comparing quotes and services from at least companies and weighing the pros and cons of each before you decide which to hire.
Just because a quote is the cheapest doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. Research the best solar panel brands and consider your home’s energy needs. Make sure to ask each solar contractor about the efficiency and type of panels they install, and what size system would be best for your home.
Pay in Cash or Put More Money Down
Considering solar panels cost thousands of dollars, we know it isn’t reasonable to expect every homeowner to pay in cash. If paying for your entire system upfront doesn’t seem feasible, don’t let that deter you from getting solar panels.
Although taking out a solar loan will mean you’re paying more overall in interest payments, in most cases, you’ll still be saving more in electricity bills in the long run.
To minimize the amount of interest you’re paying on your loan, try to pay a little more each month or put more money down upfront. Every bit counts.
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Rhode Island?
According to Zillow, a home with solar panels is worth 4.1% more on average than a home without solar panels. The average home value in Rhode Island is $436,864, so that’s a potential of $17,911 added value just by going solar.3
Rhode Island also has a property tax exemption on solar panels, so you won’t have to pay property taxes on any added value to your house after installing solar power.
Should Rhode Island Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?
If you’re hoping to only power small appliances, an RV or a boat with solar panels, a DIY solar installation may be doable. But if you’re looking to install solar panels to power your entire home, we highly recommend hiring a professional.
In general, labor costs make up about 10% of the total cost of a solar installation. Based on the average cost of a solar panel system in Rhode Island, you would save about $1,193 on installation costs if you DIY. While DIY installation may seem like a better deal, there are risks involved. Trying to install solar panels yourself can be dangerous, and incorrectly installing your panels could cause damage to both your equipment and roof.
If you want to install a solar panel system in Rhode Island, you will need to apply for a solar permit through the Office of Energy Resources (EOR). This applies to all municipalities in Rhode Island.4 If you choose to install your panels yourself, you will have to apply for this permit independently.
You should only install a full-sized solar array on your home if:
- You have prior electrical or solar installation experience,
- You feel comfortable working on your roof,
- You have all the necessary equipment, and
- You have acquired the necessary permits to legally install your solar system.
If any one of these four statements does not apply to you, we urge you to get in contact with a professional to help you with your installation. Select one of our top-recommended solar providers below to get a free quote.
What Should Rhode Island Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
There are over 10 solar panel installation companies located in Rhode Island, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).5 With multiple options available, selecting the right installer can feel overwhelming. When choosing a solar panel company, lay out your criteria and look for a contractor that offers what you want. At the bare minimum, a company should:
- Hold all required licenses and certifications to install solar in Rhode Island
- Have great customer service
- Operate locally in Rhode Island
- Offer the products and services you want
Required Licenses and Certifications
Rhode Island has strict requirements for solar professionals to qualify as certified installers. Ask your contractor if they:
- Are registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State
- Hold a General Contractor’s license
- Have an up-to-date Renewable Energy Professional Certificate
If they do not have all three of these qualifications, keep looking for a different installer.6
Great Customer Service
A company’s quality of customer service is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a solar provider. When choosing the right solar company, Rhode Island homeowners should look for:
- A solar installer that will communicate with you throughout (and after) the installation process
- A solar company that offers a great warranty and will back it up
- A solar provider that hires knowledgeable, experienced solar professionals
But how do you know which companies offer the best service, and which ones fall short? A little research can go a long way. Read customer reviews on reputable websites like BBB or Trustpilot. This gives you insight into the experiences of real customers in Rhode Island and how satisfied they were with their installation.
Or, if you want to skip the hassle, we’ve already researched the best solar companies in Rhode Island for you. Check out one of our trusted solar providers below to get a free, no-obligation quote.
Operates Locally
When it comes to the location of your solar company, you have two options:
- A large solar company that operates nationwide and has a location in Rhode Island, or
- A small solar company that operates only in Rhode Island.
We do not usually recommend hiring a solar company that is based outside of the state you live in (although some companies close to the Rhode Island border are an exception).
Whether you go with a national or local solar company is up to you. A large company tends to offer a wider selection of products at a slightly lower price, but small companies tend to have more customization options and better customer service.
Offers the Products and Services You Want
There’s an endless array of solar products, panels, batteries, brands and sizes out there. When choosing a solar provider, you should find a company that meets what you want and need for your Rhode Island home.
You may not know exactly what solar products you want before you get started, but you should always consider your home’s energy needs.
For instance, the size, angle and orientation of your roof, as well as your average energy usage, will determine what solar brand and type are just right for you.
Solar installations are highly individualized to meet each home’s needs. Don’t let a company convince you otherwise.
If you’re interested in add-ons like solar batteries or newer products like solar shingles, make sure your company of choice offers everything you want. Some solar companies only offer solar panels, while others offer a wider range of products.
Methodology: How We Ranked Rhode Island’s Solar Companies
When we rank our top solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most to ensure our readers find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible installer. We’ve listed those factors as categories below.
We then weigh these factors against the industry standard for each solar company. A company meeting the industry standard in all categories would earn 4 out of 5 stars in our rating system. A company exceeding the industry standard in all categories would earn a full 5 stars.
Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest reviews, thus, our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to Rhode Island homes.
- Solar Services (20%)
- Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (20%)
- Solar Warranty & Customer Support (15%)
- Solar Financing Options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
- Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%)
Solar Services
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers: in-house installations, energy storage systems (solar batteries) and home-efficiency audits or upgrades. A company can earn bonus points if it offers additional services that we don’t consider essential, including electric vehicle chargers, home thermostats, etc. The industry standard that we measure against includes solar panel and backup battery installations only.
For Rhode Island, Green Power Energy and Summit Energy offer the best selection of solar services on our list.
Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it is: NABCEP-certified, has a minimum of 4 stars over its last 100 reviews on Google, an A+ with the BBB and 4 or more stars on Glassdoor to reflect employee satisfaction and low turnover rate. We give bonus points for additional certifications, such as LEED or certifications with the Building Performance Institute (BPI). We flag a company for further review if it has any track record of lawsuits or customer rights violations.
Solar Warranty & Customer Support
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship of your solar equipment. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its warranties.
For Rhode Island, SunPower and Summit Energy offer the best warranty coverage.
Solar Financing Options
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers multiple financing options, including in-house options in addition to partner organizations. As many solar companies choose not to offer leases and PPAs in the interest of consumer well-being, we do not dock points for companies that don’t offer them.
Experience in Rhode Island
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it has 10+ years of experience installing solar. The industry standard that we measure against is at least five years of experience.
Some national companies have been installing solar equipment around the country for years, but only expanded to Rhode Island more recently. For instance, we like that Trinity Solar has been in business since 1994, but it only expanded to Warwick, Rhode Island in 2016.
Availability
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers solar services throughout the state of Rhode Island.
Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Factors
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EoL) products or processes and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
We like that SunPower, our number one recommended solar provider in Rhode Island, sells products that are Cradle to Cradle certified.
Read More About Going Solar in Rhode Island
FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island
Consumers trust the EcoWatch brand when it comes to solar, so we get a lot of questions about the best solar companies. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received from Rhode Island homeowners, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Yes, the type of solar panel you select can greatly affect your solar panel system. Photovoltaic (PV) panels may all look similar, but they vary greatly in durability, efficiency and price. We recommend doing some reading on the best solar panels to find the ones that fit your needs, then you can narrow down which of the five solar installers we’ve listed on this page is best based on if they carry your desired solar panel brand.
Most Rhode Island homeowners maintain that company experience and track record are most important when choosing a solar installation company. New England is a highly competitive region for solar, and most installers in the area serve all of Rhode Island, so there are many companies to choose from. You want to make sure you’re choosing a reputable solar company with a long-standing and proven track record of successful installs.
It’s hard to know exactly which company will be the most affordable for you because solar panel installation costs vary depending on the specifics of your home. But cheap is not always better when it comes to solar, especially because more expensive panels are usually more energy-efficient, which leads to more savings in the long run.
We know that installing a solar panel system is costly, which is why we recommend shopping around to get quotes from multiple solar companies in Rhode Island. When figuring out the cost of solar, don’t forget to factor in Rhode Island’s solar incentives, like the federal tax credit, state sales, and property tax exemptions, and National Grid’s Renewable Energy Growth Program (which gives you credit on your energy bill for the energy your solar panels produce).
No, not necessarily. New England clean energy companies can provide more local expertise to Rhode Island homeowners. However, you may feel more comfortable choosing a major installer like SunPower which has a strong reputation across the nation. In the end, choosing a bigger company over a local company is a personal preference and cannot be defined as “better” or “worse.”
While PV solar panels work best when they’re soaking up direct sunlight, they still work when in the presence of indirect sunlight on cloudy winter days. Solar panels are tilted so that, in most cases, snow will slide right off of them and they can still receive sunlight. Plus, electricity actually flows faster in lower temperatures, so you may see your panels work more efficiently in the winter.
Related articles
Top Installers For Rhode Island
Comparing authorized solar partners
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
-
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
A+Best National Provider1985SunPower Panels25-year all-inclusive warranty
Having trouble deciding? Click below and use our process to receive multiple quotes instead: