Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, RI (Mar 2023)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $7,813
- 25-Year Savings: $14,134
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
We break down average solar pricing in Middletown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Middletown generally cost around 2.84. Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $7,813 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Middletown homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Middletown find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,935 |
| 3 years | $-5,179 |
| 5 years | $-3,423 |
| 7 years | $-1,668 |
| 9 years | $88 |
| 11 years | $1,844 |
| 13 years | $3,599 |
| 15 years | $5,355 |
| 17 years | $7,111 |
| 19 years | $8,867 |
| 21 years | $10,622 |
| 23 years | $12,378 |
| 25 years | $14,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Middletown, we've compiled 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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
For many Middletown homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middletown, 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Middletown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Middletown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Middletown homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Middletown is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,076 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $28,419 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $35,921 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $43,583 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $51,403 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $59,383 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $67,521 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $75,819 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into 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 Middletown, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Middletown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Middletown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,116.03 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.