Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pawtucket, RI (2024 Update)
- Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pawtucket.
The average cost of solar panels in Pawtucket is 4 per watt.The average Pawtucket 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.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Pawtucket based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Pawtucket homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pawtucket
| 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 Pawtucket
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed 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
See all of the solar companies in Pawtucket
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pawtucket
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Pawtucket: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,070.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pawtucket, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pawtucket is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Pawtucket, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pawtucket?
The average cost of solar panels in Pawtucket 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.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Pawtucket, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 long do solar panels last in Pawtucket?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.