Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Greenwich, RI (2023 Update)
- West Greenwich Solar Installation Cost: $8,091
- 25-Year Savings: $13,856
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Greenwich
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Greenwich.
In West Greenwich, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $8,091 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Greenwich homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Greenwich find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Greenwich that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Greenwich
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,213 |
| 3 years | $-5,458 |
| 5 years | $-3,702 |
| 7 years | $-1,946 |
| 9 years | $-190 |
| 11 years | $1,565 |
| 13 years | $3,321 |
| 15 years | $5,077 |
| 17 years | $6,833 |
| 19 years | $8,588 |
| 21 years | $10,344 |
| 23 years | $12,100 |
| 25 years | $13,856 |
Top Solar Installers in West Greenwich
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,840. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Greenwich, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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 West Greenwich to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. It's wise 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk 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 names.
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 | $19,936 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $26,899 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $34,021 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $41,303 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $48,743 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $56,342 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $64,101 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $72,018 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in West Greenwich, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other 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.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.