Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Smithfield, RI (2024 Update)
- North Smithfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,860
- 25-Year Savings: $13,671
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Smithfield
We go over average solar pricing in North Smithfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Smithfield it’s 4 per watt.The average North Smithfield homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,860 with the federal tax credit, or $16,960 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in North Smithfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Smithfield
| 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 North Smithfield
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 North Smithfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Smithfield
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,070 per kilowatt in North Smithfield.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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Smithfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,854 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $18,928 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $24,230 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $29,760 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $35,518 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $41,503 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $47,717 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $54,159 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even 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 how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 North Smithfield, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Smithfield?
The average cost of solar panels in North Smithfield 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Smithfield?
A solar panel system isn’t free in North Smithfield, 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Smithfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.