Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pawtucket, RI (2023 Update)
- Pawtucket Solar Installation Cost: $8,276
- 25-Year Savings: $13,671
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pawtucket
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Pawtucket.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pawtucket it's 2.84 per watt. Because a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Pawtucket, the average price of going solar will be about $8,270 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pawtucket find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Pawtucket, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pawtucket
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,745 |
| 3 years | $-3,683 |
| 5 years | $-621 |
| 7 years | $2,441 |
| 9 years | $5,504 |
| 11 years | $8,566 |
| 13 years | $11,628 |
| 15 years | $14,690 |
| 17 years | $17,752 |
| 19 years | $20,814 |
| 21 years | $23,876 |
| 23 years | $26,938 |
| 25 years | $30,000 |
Top Solar Installers in Pawtucket
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Pawtucket, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pawtucket
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pawtucket
The cost of installing a solar system in Pawtucket can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,840. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pawtucket, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pawtucket provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pawtucket is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,227 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $25,954 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $32,840 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $39,885 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $47,090 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $54,453 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $61,975 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $69,657 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Pawtucket, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Pawtucket, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pawtucket?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pawtucket?
Solar panels aren't free in Pawtucket, 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 help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pawtucket is currently $186,496, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,646 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pawtucket is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Pawtucket?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.