Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, RI (2024 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $11,673
- 25-Year Savings: $26,603
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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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 average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Bristol homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,673 with the federal tax credit, or $16,692 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bristol find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Bristol, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| 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 Bristol
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bristol, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
For many Bristol homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Bristol, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bristol, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Bristol’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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
There are a large number of companies to choose from 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: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bristol, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bristol?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably 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 solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.