Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Providence, RI (2023 Update)
- East Providence Solar Installation Cost: $8,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,677
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Providence
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in East Providence.
The average cost of a solar system in East Providence is 2.84 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in East Providence, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,270, or $11,826 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average East Providence homeowner can save about $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 East Providence that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Providence
| 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 East Providence
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 East Providence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Providence
For many East Providence homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Providence, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 affects 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 typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in East Providence, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in East Providence is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 East Providence, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Providence?
The average cost of solar panels in East Providence is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Providence?
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 can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.