Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, RI (2025 Update)

  • Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $11,673
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,603
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Bristol

We go over average solar pricing in Bristol.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bristol, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $11,673 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bristol homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Bristol homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bristol that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Bristol

YearReturn 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 Bristol

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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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 Bristol

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol

For many Bristol homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bristol, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Bristol have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bristol homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Bristol have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.23$17,778$14,36213.8 years
8 kW$4.15$23,248$19,60613.6 years
10 kW$4.07$28,490$25,07713.3 years
12 kW$3.99$33,504$30,77613.0 years
14 kW$3.91$38,291$36,70312.8 years
16 kW$3.83$42,849$42,85812.5 years
18 kW$3.74$47,179$49,24112.2 years
20 kW$3.66$51,282$55,85112.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Bristol, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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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 Bristol, RI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Bristol?

Solar panels aren’t free in Bristol, 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 further reduce the cost.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Bristol?

On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.