Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Compton, RI (2024 Update)
- Little Compton Solar Installation Cost: $11,205
- 25-Year Savings: $14,128
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Compton
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Little Compton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Little Compton it’s 4 per watt.Since a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Little Compton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,205 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Little Compton homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Little Compton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Little Compton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,674 |
| 3 years | $-6,612 |
| 5 years | $-3,550 |
| 7 years | $-488 |
| 9 years | $2,574 |
| 11 years | $5,636 |
| 13 years | $8,698 |
| 15 years | $11,760 |
| 17 years | $14,822 |
| 19 years | $17,884 |
| 21 years | $20,946 |
| 23 years | $24,009 |
| 25 years | $27,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Compton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Little Compton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Compton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Little Compton is $11,205, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,070.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Little Compton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Little Compton know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $15,703 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $21,393 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $27,311 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $33,458 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $39,831 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $46,433 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $53,263 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $60,321 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand 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 options before deciding.
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 Little Compton, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Little Compton?
The average cost of solar panels in Little Compton 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Little Compton?
Solar panels aren’t free in Little Compton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Little Compton is currently $867,992, so you could be looking at a value of about $35,588 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Little Compton is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 buy 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.