15 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, RI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Richmond based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Richmond, RI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Richmond homeowner saves $1,777/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
Searching for the best solar companies in Richmond? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $21,000 on your power bills.
There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Richmond.Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a vetted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Richmond
Sunrun Fusion New England
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
Gansett Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Rooftop Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
DO IT RIGHT SOLAR
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
NEC Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Consultation
Neighborhood Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Maintenance
- Consultation
Suntastic Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Sunwatt Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Full-Service
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
Evergreen Solar | RI & MA Solar Panel Company
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
CT Solar Solutions / SunPower
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Got Sun Go Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
Renewable Energy Services Of New England, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Full-Service
SGE Solar - Second Generation Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
New England Clean Energy - Rhode Island Office
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
Sun Group Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richmond
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Richmond 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 Richmond
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 Richmond
For many people, the decision of which solar installer to hire depends on prices.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- The type of solar panels you’re planning on getting: More efficient panels have higher prices, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Richmond’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- average energy usage: The more electricity your home uses on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
There are many good reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money.These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower the cost of installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% depending on your location. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Richmond.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to lower your carbon footprint.But you may be wondering – how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? The average person has a sizable carbon footprint. Between their car, which releases over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, and energy for their home, it can be overwhelming to think about what to do. Using solar power is a practical thing you can do to help.After you go solar, your carbon emissions can be cut by about 40 pounds every year. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Richmond, RI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar company in Richmond?
In Richmond, Sunrun Fusion New England 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 home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority 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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover how much energy they need.
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.