Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central Falls, RI (Mar 2023)
- Central Falls Solar Installation Cost: $8,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,677
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central Falls
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Central Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Central Falls it's 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Central Falls is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,270 for a solar installation, or $11,826 before the 30% federal solar tax credit 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 needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Central Falls find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Central Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,392 |
| 3 years | $-5,636 |
| 5 years | $-3,881 |
| 7 years | $-2,125 |
| 9 years | $-369 |
| 11 years | $1,386 |
| 13 years | $3,142 |
| 15 years | $4,898 |
| 17 years | $6,654 |
| 19 years | $8,409 |
| 21 years | $10,165 |
| 23 years | $11,921 |
| 25 years | $13,677 |
Top Solar Installers in Central Falls
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Central Falls, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Central Falls, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Central Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central Falls
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Central Falls: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Central Falls to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Central Falls, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $19,227 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $25,954 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $32,840 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $39,885 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $47,090 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $54,453 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $61,975 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $69,657 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Central Falls, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Central Falls?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Central Falls?
You can't get solar panels for free in Central Falls. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Central Falls?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.