Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Warwick, RI (2023 Update)
- West Warwick Solar Installation Cost: $8,091
- 25-Year Savings: $13,856
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Warwick
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in West Warwick.
In West Warwick, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Warwick, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,091, or $11,570 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average West Warwick homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Warwick
| 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 Warwick
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Warwick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Warwick
The cost of installing a solar system in West Warwick can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important 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 higher efficiency. In a city like West Warwick, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise 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
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $19,936 | 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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 Warwick, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Warwick?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Warwick, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.