Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portsmouth, RI (2024 Update)
- Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Portsmouth.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Portsmouth generally cost about 4.Since a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Portsmouth, the average price of going solar will be about $11,205 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Portsmouth homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Portsmouth, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portsmouth
| 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 Portsmouth
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portsmouth
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Portsmouth: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Portsmouth, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Portsmouth, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Portsmouth to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Portsmouth is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Portsmouth know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Portsmouth, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portsmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Portsmouth 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Portsmouth?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Portsmouth. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Portsmouth?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Portsmouth?
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 amount 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.