15 Best Solar Companies in Bristol, RI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Bristol based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Bristol, RI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Bristol homeowner saves $1,714/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Bristol
If you’re a home or business owner looking to take advantage of the solar incentives in Bristol, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a great choice. Also, environmentally conscious leadership has encouraged a growing solar market, and many of the best solar companies are looking to capitalize on it. That's why Bristol provides many options for solar installers.
There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Bristol.Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a highly rated solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Bristol
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
E2 Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Sunrun Fusion New England
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
NEC Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Rooftop Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
DO IT RIGHT SOLAR
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
Got Sun Go Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Sunwatt Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Evergreen Solar | RI & MA Solar Panel Company
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Beacon Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
Sun Group Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Neighborhood Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- System Decommissioning
Renewable Energy Services Of New England, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
New England Clean Energy - Rhode Island Office
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
GoGreenWithGlenn Rhodes Trinity Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Bristol
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Bristol based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Bristol
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Rhode Island solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. 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 contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): 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.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Bristol
Even though solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on electricity bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the startup costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Bristol doesn’t use much energy, and therefore may not see as many savings on their power bills.
- How much energy costs for you: The typical household in Bristol spends around $1,500 a year on home energy use alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- The type of solar panels you want: More efficient models are more costly, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you get and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Bristol
Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to lower utility bills and government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local incentives. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Bristol
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving some money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.You may be trying to figure out – how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? One thing that can drastically affect your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive altogether. If you switch to solar power and drive an electric car, you can vastly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Once you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 40 pounds every year. Since energy from the sun is abundant and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Bristol, RI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installer in Bristol?
In Bristol, SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on the amount of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.