Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Warwick, RI (2024 Update)
- West Warwick 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 Warwick
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Warwick.
In West Warwick, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in West Warwick is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,600 for a solar installation, or $16,588 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in West Warwick depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Warwick can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Warwick that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Warwick
| 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 Warwick
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Warwick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Warwick
For many West Warwick homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Warwick, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in West Warwick, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Warwick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Warwick 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 remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Warwick homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in West Warwick, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.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 pricing due to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Warwick, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Warwick?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Warwick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.