17 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, RI (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Richmond based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Richmond, RI
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Richmond homeowner saves $1,777/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Richmond

Looking to go solar but still deciding on which company would be best for your needs? Although it can be hard to settle on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great perks. On average, you can save $21,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be well above that overall.

There are plenty of installers to choose from, 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. Interested in seeing the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Richmond solar installer.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Earthlight Technologies

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.earthlighttech.com/
Address: Ellington, CT 06029
Phone: 8608719700
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Solar Veteran
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Trinity Solar

  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Pros icon Family-owned and -operated
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Con icon Limited service area
  • Con icon Relatively short workmanship warranty

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.trinity-solar.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Collaborative Energy Options

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://collaborativeenergyoptions.org/
Address: West Kingston, RI 02892
Phone: 4014270200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wind Energy Development LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://green-ri.com/
Address: North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 4012954998
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Gansett Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.gansett.solar/
Address: Narragansett, RI 02882
Phone: 4015155641
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

E Solar Installers

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://esolarinstallers.com/
Address: Saunderstown, RI 02874
Phone: 4017562023
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

JRFsolarconsults

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://jrfsolarconsults.co/home-8868
Address: Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 4012510874
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Newport Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://newportsolarri.com/
Address: North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 4012954500
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Suntastic Solutions

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: http://www.suntasticsolutions.com/
Address: Griswold, CT 06351
Phone: 8603037110
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Neighborhood Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.neighborhoodsolar.us/
Address: Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 140SpringSt
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Neighborhood Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.neighborhoodsolar.us/
Address: Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 4016260054
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rooftop Power

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.rooftoppowerco.com/
Address: Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: 8337877697
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunRun Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Address: Lisbon, CT 06351
Phone: 8604310079

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 company to choose comes down to how much it'll cost. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • The amount of sunlight your house gets: Thanks to Richmond's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • How much you spend on energy: The typical family in Richmond shells out around $880 a year on energy use alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
  • The type and model of solar panels you want to get: More efficient panels have higher prices, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.

So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you're trying to decrease your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Richmond homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Richmond

In an effort to increase the adoption of solar power, federal, state and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economically viable and accessible. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond

If you're thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your greenhouse gas emissions. But — how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? The average person has a considerable carbon footprint. Between their car, which releases over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and electricity 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. Because solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is abundant and generates electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

Which solar power company is the best near me?

In Richmond, Prime Energy Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.

What are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of switching to solar?

The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, 100% cut your electricity bills, raise your home's value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The greatest 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 whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?

Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much energy generation you want.

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.