Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, RI (2024 Update)
- Middletown 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 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 typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Middletown, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,205, or $16,023 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Middletown 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Middletown can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| 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 Middletown
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
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 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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
The cost of installing a solar system in Middletown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,070 per kilowatt in Middletown.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Middletown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
There are many companies to choose from in Middletown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Middletown, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Middletown?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 cover 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.