Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westerly, RI (2024 Update)

  • Westerly Solar Installation Cost: $11,262
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,088
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westerly

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westerly.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westerly typically cost about 4.The average Westerly homeowner needs a 4.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,262 with the federal tax credit, or $16,105 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westerly can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Westerly

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,731
3 years $-6,669
5 years $-3,607
7 years $-545
9 years $2,517
11 years $5,579
13 years $8,641
15 years $11,703
17 years $14,765
19 years $17,827
21 years $20,890
23 years $23,952
25 years $27,014

Top Solar Installers in Westerly

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Westerly

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westerly

For many Westerly homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westerly, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,070 per kilowatt in Westerly.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westerly, 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Westerly homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Westerly, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Westerly have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $15,534 13.3 years
8 kW $4.15 $23,248 $21,167 13.1 years
10 kW $4.07 $28,490 $27,029 12.8 years
12 kW $3.99 $33,504 $33,119 12.6 years
14 kW $3.91 $38,291 $39,436 12.3 years
16 kW $3.83 $42,849 $45,982 12.1 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,179 $52,755 11.8 years
20 kW $3.66 $51,282 $59,756 11.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Westerly, 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Westerly, RI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westerly?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westerly?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Westerly is currently $529,386, which means you can look forward to a value of about $21,705 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Westerly is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.

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