Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glocester, RI (2024 Update)
- Glocester Solar Installation Cost: $11,860
- 25-Year Savings: $14,147
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glocester
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Glocester.
In Glocester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Glocester, the average price of going solar will be about $11,860 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Glocester homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Glocester homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Glocester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glocester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,329 |
| 3 years | $-7,267 |
| 5 years | $-4,205 |
| 7 years | $-1,143 |
| 9 years | $1,919 |
| 11 years | $4,981 |
| 13 years | $8,043 |
| 15 years | $11,105 |
| 17 years | $14,168 |
| 19 years | $17,230 |
| 21 years | $20,292 |
| 23 years | $23,354 |
| 25 years | $26,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Glocester
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Glocester, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Glocester:
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 Glocester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glocester
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Glocester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Glocester homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Glocester homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect the cost. Glocester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Glocester know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $4.23 | $17,778 | $14,541 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $19,843 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $25,374 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $31,132 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $37,119 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $43,333 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $49,776 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $56,446 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Glocester, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glocester?
The average cost of solar panels in Glocester is about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Glocester?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Glocester?
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 what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.