Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westerly, RI (2023 Update)
- Westerly Solar Installation Cost: $7,859
- 25-Year Savings: $14,088
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westerly
We go over average solar pricing in Westerly.
In Westerly, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.0-kW system would cost about $7,853 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Westerly that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westerly
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,785 |
| 3 years | $-7,639 |
| 5 years | $-7,493 |
| 7 years | $-7,346 |
| 9 years | $-7,200 |
| 11 years | $-7,054 |
| 13 years | $-6,907 |
| 15 years | $-6,761 |
| 17 years | $-6,615 |
| 19 years | $-6,469 |
| 21 years | $-6,322 |
| 23 years | $-6,176 |
| 25 years | $-6,030 |
Top Solar Installers in Westerly
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
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 Westerly
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westerly
Although the average cost of a solar system in Westerly is $7,853, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Westerly, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westerly, 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 Westerly to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Westerly's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,906 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $28,193 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $35,639 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $43,244 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $51,008 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $58,931 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $67,013 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $75,254 | 8.1 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Westerly, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westerly?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Westerly?
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 electricity 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 Westerly?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.