Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barrington, RI (2024 Update)
- Barrington Solar Installation Cost: $11,673
- 25-Year Savings: $13,802
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barrington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Barrington.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Barrington typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Barrington, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,673, or $16,692 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Barrington can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barrington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,142 |
| 3 years | $-7,079 |
| 5 years | $-4,017 |
| 7 years | $-955 |
| 9 years | $2,107 |
| 11 years | $5,169 |
| 13 years | $8,231 |
| 15 years | $11,293 |
| 17 years | $14,355 |
| 19 years | $17,417 |
| 21 years | $20,479 |
| 23 years | $23,541 |
| 25 years | $26,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Barrington
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Barrington, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Barrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barrington
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 $4,070. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Barrington, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Barrington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.23 | $17,778 | $14,362 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $19,606 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $25,077 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $30,776 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $36,703 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $42,858 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $49,241 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $55,851 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Barrington, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barrington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Barrington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Barrington?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.