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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Smithfield

We go over average solar pricing in North Smithfield.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Smithfield generally cost about 4.Because a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in North Smithfield, the average price of going solar will be about $11,860 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Smithfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in North Smithfield can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

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

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in North Smithfield, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 North Smithfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Smithfield

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in North Smithfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in North Smithfield, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. North Smithfield’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in North Smithfield have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $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 a lot of companies to choose from in North Smithfield, 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:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's North Smithfield, RI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels 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 viable, 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 power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase 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 will have the roof space for 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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.

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