Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingston, RI (Mar 2023)
- Kingston Solar Installation Cost: $7,853
- 25-Year Savings: $14,094
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingston
We break down average solar pricing in Kingston.
In Kingston, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average Kingston homeowner needs a 4.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,853 with the federal tax credit, or $11,230 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kingston homeowner. 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. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Kingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,975 |
| 3 years | $-5,219 |
| 5 years | $-3,463 |
| 7 years | $-1,708 |
| 9 years | $48 |
| 11 years | $1,804 |
| 13 years | $3,560 |
| 15 years | $5,315 |
| 17 years | $7,071 |
| 19 years | $8,827 |
| 21 years | $10,583 |
| 23 years | $12,338 |
| 25 years | $14,094 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Kingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston
For many Kingston homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kingston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,840. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kingston provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Kingston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $20,906 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $28,193 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $35,639 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $43,244 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $51,008 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $58,931 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $67,013 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $75,254 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Kingston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
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 Kingston, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kingston?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kingston?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.