Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, RI (2023 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $8,151
- 25-Year Savings: $13,796
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
We go over average solar pricing in Warren.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Warren it's 2.84 per watt. The average Warren homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,151 with the federal tax credit, or $11,656 before the 30% 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 system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Warren homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Warren, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,273 |
| 3 years | $-5,517 |
| 5 years | $-3,761 |
| 7 years | $-2,006 |
| 9 years | $-250 |
| 11 years | $1,506 |
| 13 years | $3,262 |
| 15 years | $5,017 |
| 17 years | $6,773 |
| 19 years | $8,529 |
| 21 years | $10,284 |
| 23 years | $12,040 |
| 25 years | $13,796 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
For many Warren homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Warren, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Warren to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Warren, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better 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 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $19,735 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $26,631 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $33,687 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $40,901 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $48,275 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $55,807 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $63,499 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $71,349 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Warren, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Warren?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Warren?
You can't get solar panels for free in Warren. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Warren?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.