Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barrington, RI (2023 Update)

  • Barrington Solar Installation Cost: $8,151
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,796
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barrington

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Barrington.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Barrington is 2.84 per watt. Because a 4.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Barrington, the average price of going solar will be about $8,151 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Barrington based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Barrington homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Barrington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,273
3 years $-5,517
5 years $-3,761
7 years $-2,006
9 years $-250
11 years $1,506
13 years $3,262
15 years $5,017
17 years $6,773
19 years $8,529
21 years $10,284
23 years $12,040
25 years $13,796

Top Solar Installers in Barrington

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Barrington:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

See all of the solar companies in Barrington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barrington

The cost of installing a solar system in Barrington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Barrington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Barrington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Barrington is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Barrington have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $2.95 $12,405 $19,735 9.6 years
8 kW $2.90 $16,222 $26,631 9.5 years
10 kW $2.84 $19,880 $33,687 9.3 years
12 kW $2.78 $23,379 $40,901 9.1 years
14 kW $2.73 $26,719 $48,275 8.9 years
16 kW $2.67 $29,900 $55,807 8.7 years
18 kW $2.61 $32,921 $63,499 8.5 years
20 kW $2.56 $35,784 $71,349 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch's Barrington, RI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barrington?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Barrington?

You can't get solar panels for free in Barrington. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Barrington?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Barrington?

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 how much energy they produce 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.

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