Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Greenwich, RI (2024 Update)
- West Greenwich Solar Installation Cost: $11,600
- 25-Year Savings: $13,852
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Greenwich
We go over average solar pricing in West Greenwich.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Greenwich, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average West Greenwich homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,600 with the federal tax credit, or $16,588 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Greenwich can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Greenwich
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,069 |
| 3 years | $-7,007 |
| 5 years | $-3,945 |
| 7 years | $-883 |
| 9 years | $2,179 |
| 11 years | $5,241 |
| 13 years | $8,303 |
| 15 years | $11,365 |
| 17 years | $14,427 |
| 19 years | $17,489 |
| 21 years | $20,551 |
| 23 years | $23,614 |
| 25 years | $26,676 |
Top Solar Installers in West Greenwich
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in West Greenwich:
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 West Greenwich
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Greenwich
The cost of installing a solar system in West Greenwich can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in West Greenwich, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Greenwich average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Greenwich provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Greenwich, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,563 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $19,873 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $25,411 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $31,177 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $37,171 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $43,393 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $49,843 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $56,520 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 West Greenwich, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Greenwich?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Greenwich?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Greenwich?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in West Greenwich?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.