Solar Panel Cost Guide in Providence, PA (Feb 2023)
- Providence Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,328
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Providence
We break down average solar pricing in Providence.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Providence, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Providence is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,727 for a solar installation, or $8,678 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Providence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,725 |
| 3 years | $-8,721 |
| 5 years | $-6,716 |
| 7 years | $-4,712 |
| 9 years | $-2,708 |
| 11 years | $-703 |
| 13 years | $1,301 |
| 15 years | $3,306 |
| 17 years | $5,310 |
| 19 years | $7,315 |
| 21 years | $9,319 |
| 23 years | $11,323 |
| 25 years | $13,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Providence
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
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
See all of the solar companies in Providence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Providence
Although the average cost of a solar system in Providence is $11,727, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Providence, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Providence to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Providence homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Providence, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Providence have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,736 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,933 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,274 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,757 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,383 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,152 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,063 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,118 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch's Providence, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Providence?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Providence?
A solar panel system isn't free in Providence, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Providence?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Providence?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.