13 Best Solar Companies in Foster, RI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Foster based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Foster, RI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Foster homeowner saves $1,687/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Foster
When looking for the best solar companies in Foster, going through hundreds of options can be taxing, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many good benefits. Thanks to government support encouraging a growing renewable energy market, homeowners in Foster have access to some of the best solar installers in the country.
If you're considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Foster and compare quotes. The good news is we went ahead and came up with a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. We recommend shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get free quotes from vetted solar installers in Foster, click the link below.
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Foster
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Earthlight Technologies
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
New England Clean Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
YEP Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
DO IT RIGHT SOLAR
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Rooftop Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Renewable Energy Services Of New England, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
Solar Sky Ventures
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
New England Clean Energy - Rhode Island Office
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Foster
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Foster 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 Foster
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 Foster
For many people, the decision of which solar installer to go with depends on how much it'll cost. Some main factors that dictate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- The cost of energy for you: If your local electricity rates are high, there's a better chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Foster, you can save an average of $73 a month on your electricity bills.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $20,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Foster homeowners.
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Adopting solar energy can substantially impact both the environment and your power bills. To see how much, use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Foster, RI.
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Solar Incentives in Foster
If you're considering making the switch to solar power, a variety of government incentives and solar rebates can greatly bring down the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment. When you install solar panels, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there may often be some local incentives that you can use to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Foster.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Foster
One of the reasons so many homeowners are thinking of adopting solar energy is to help reduce their environmental impact. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? Going solar is a great choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. Because solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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
EcoWatch's Foster, RI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Foster?
The top local solar company in Foster is Prime Energy Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.