Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island (2024 Reviews)

In this guide to Rhode Islands’ best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:

  • What are our top picks for solar companies in Rhode Island?
  • What should you look for when choosing a Rhode Island solar provider?
  • How do you find cost savings on Rhode Island solar installation?
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With its above-average electricity rates and its abundance of beneficial solar incentives, Rhode Island is one of the best places in the country to convert to solar energy. The average solar array in the state pays for itself in just eight years and saves an average of $46,071 on energy bills thereafter in net savings. Going solar is an easy decision, but choosing an installer to tackle your solar project is much more challenging.

In this guide, we’ll review the best solar companies in Rhode Island. We’ll explain what we like and dislike about each and discuss why we think these providers are the most likely to deliver energy savings and great service in your area.

What Are the Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island?

We’ve spent lots of time and effort researching different solar installers in Rhode Island to make sure we’re bringing you the most accurate and beneficial information possible. Below are what we believe are the best solar installers in Rhode Island based on our research:

Compare Rhode Island’s Top-Rated Solar Providers

In short, we suggest Rhode Islanders check out SunPower and Green Power Energy for their solar needs. Both providers include above-average customer service and high-quality systems that are sure to save you money over time. We’ll include a side-by-side comparison of these installers and our other top picks in the table below to help you decide which might be best for you.

Solar Providers Superlative Our Score Avg Cost Warranty Financing Options Get Quote
SunPower Best National Provider 5/5 $$$$ Minimum of 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Tesla Best Technology 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Green Power Energy Best Regional Provider 4.5/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment, performance and workmanship Cash, solar loan, solar lease Get Quote
Summit Energy Best Customer Service 4.5/5 $$$ 30 years for equipment, performance and workmanship Cash, solar loan, PPA Get Quote
Trinity Solar Most Experienced Regional Provider 4/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment and production; 5 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Sol Power Best Local Installer 4/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan Get Quote
NuWatt Energy Best for System Customization 4/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment, performance and workmanship Cash, solar loan, PPA Get Quote
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Tesla Energy

Best Technology

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market

Cons

  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer
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Green Power Energy

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Multitude of products and services

Cons

  • Relatively young company
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Summit Energy

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Great warranty coverage
  • NABCEP-certified technicians
  • Many financing options

Cons

  • Relatively young company
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Trinity Solar

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Cons

  • Limited service area
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Sol Power

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Excellent reputation
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Locally owned and operated

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

NuWatt Energy

Outstanding Regional Provider

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Great variety of services
  • Solid warranty coverage
  • Huge selection of panel brands

Cons

  • Spotty customer service
  • No leases or PPAs

Watch Below: Learn What To Know Before Going Solar in Rhode Island

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Rhode Island

Taking the time to compare quotes, ask questions and find local solar incentives are the best ways to lower your solar conversion costs in Rhode Island. We also recommend paying for your solar panels in cash when possible. Below are some tips on how to save money when looking for a solar company in Rhode Island.

Find Local and Federal Incentives and Rebates

Rhode Island has progressive state policies and plenty of local rebates that you can take advantage of. As a homeowner, you’re also eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit. We’ve listed the top solar incentives in Rhode Island below, but you can also talk with your solar contractor about how to apply and qualify for each.

Rhode Island Solar Incentive Description
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) The federal solar investment tax credit, or ITC, allows homeowners to claim 30% of their system costs as a credit against the federal taxes they owe. The credit has been extended through 2034 under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. However, the credit will decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before it expires in 2035.
Net Energy Metering (NEM) Through net metering programs, any extra energy your solar energy system produces is sent to the grid in exchange for utility company credits that you can use toward your next month’s bill.
Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program This is a program similar to net metering, but the payout is higher in most cases. National Grid’s Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program awards customers between 27 and 31 cents for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) their solar power system produces for the first 15 years.
Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (REF) REF provides grants for renewable energy projects that have the potential to produce electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis and applications are due by March every year. You can check the website for availability.
Residential Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption Rhode Island has a 100% property tax exemption for eligible renewable energy projects.
Renewable Energy Products Sales and Use Tax Exemption Rhode Island has a 100% sales tax exemption for eligible renewable energy projects.

Get Multiple Quotes From Different Solar Companies

It may be tempting to go with the first quote you get from a solar installer, but taking the time to get multiple quotes can save you money.

We recommend comparing quotes and services from at least companies and weighing the pros and cons of each before you decide which to hire.

Just because a quote is the cheapest doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. Research the best residential solar panel brands and consider your home’s energy needs. Make sure to ask each solar contractor about the efficiency and type of panels they install, and what size system would be best for your home.

Pay in Cash or Put More Money Down

Considering solar panels cost thousands of dollars, we know it isn’t reasonable to expect every homeowner to pay in cash. If paying for your entire system upfront doesn’t seem feasible, don’t let that deter you from getting solar panels.

Although taking out a solar loan will mean you’re paying more overall in interest payments, in most cases, you’ll still be saving more in electricity bills in the long run.

To minimize the amount of interest you’re paying on your loan, try to pay a little more each month or put more money down upfront. Every bit counts.

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Rhode Island?

According to Zillow, a home with solar panels is worth 4.1% more on average than a home without solar panels. The average home value in Rhode Island is $435,415, so that’s a potential of $17,852 added value just by going solar.3

Rhode Island also has a property tax exemption on solar panels, so you won’t have to pay property taxes on any added value to your house after installing solar power.

Should Rhode Island Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?

best solar installers in rhode island

If you’re hoping to only power small appliances, an RV or a boat with solar panels, a DIY solar installation may be doable. But if you’re looking to install solar panels to power your entire home, we highly recommend hiring a professional.

In general, labor costs make up about 10% of the total cost of a solar installation. Based on the average cost of a solar panel system in Rhode Island, you would save about $2,208 on installation costs if you DIY. While DIY installation may seem like a better deal, there are risks involved. Trying to install solar panels yourself can be dangerous, and incorrectly installing your panels could cause damage to both your equipment and roof.

If you want to install a solar panel system in Rhode Island, you will need to apply for a solar permit through the Office of Energy Resources (EOR). This applies to all municipalities in Rhode Island.4 If you choose to install your panels yourself, you will have to apply for this permit independently.

You should only install a full-sized solar array on your home if:

  • You have prior electrical or solar installation experience,
  • You feel comfortable working on your roof,
  • You have all the necessary equipment, and
  • You have acquired the necessary permits to legally install your solar system.

If any one of these four statements does not apply to you, we urge you to get in contact with a professional to help you with your installation. Select one of our top-recommended solar providers below to get a free quote.

What Should Rhode Island Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?

There are over 10 solar panel installation companies located in Rhode Island, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).5 With multiple options available, selecting the right installer can feel overwhelming. When choosing a solar panel company, lay out your criteria and look for a contractor that offers what you want. At the bare minimum, a company should:

  • Hold all required licenses and certifications to install solar in Rhode Island
  • Have great customer service
  • Operate locally in Rhode Island
  • Offer the products and services you want

Required Licenses and Certifications

Rhode Island has strict requirements for solar professionals to qualify as certified installers. Ask your contractor if they:

  • Are registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State
  • Hold a General Contractor’s license
  • Have an up-to-date Renewable Energy Professional Certificate

If they do not have all three of these qualifications, keep looking for a different installer.6

Great Customer Service

rhode island best solar companies

A company’s quality of customer service is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a solar provider. When choosing the right solar company, Rhode Island homeowners should look for:

  • A solar installer that will communicate with you throughout (and after) the installation process
  • A solar company that offers a great warranty and will back it up
  • A solar provider that hires knowledgeable, experienced solar professionals

But how do you know which companies offer the best service, and which ones fall short? A little research can go a long way. Read customer reviews on reputable websites like BBB or Trustpilot. This gives you insight into the experiences of real customers in Rhode Island and how satisfied they were with their installation.

Or, if you want to skip the hassle, we’ve already researched the best solar companies in Rhode Island for you. Check out one of our trusted solar providers below to get a free, no-obligation quote.

Operates Locally

When it comes to the location of your solar company, you have two options:

  • A large solar company that operates nationwide and has a location in Rhode Island, or
  • A small solar company that operates only in Rhode Island.

We do not usually recommend hiring a solar company that is based outside of the state you live in (although some companies close to the Rhode Island border are an exception).

Whether you go with a national or local solar company is up to you. A large company tends to offer a wider selection of products at a slightly lower price, but small companies tend to have more customization options and better customer service.

Offers the Products and Services You Want

There’s an endless array of solar products, panels, batteries, brands and sizes out there. When choosing a solar provider, you should find a company that meets what you want and need for your Rhode Island home.

You may not know exactly what solar products you want before you get started, but you should always consider your home’s energy needs.

For instance, the size, angle and orientation of your roof, as well as your average energy usage, will determine what solar brand and type are just right for you.

Solar installations are highly individualized to meet each home’s needs. Don’t let a company convince you otherwise.

If you’re interested in add-ons like solar batteries or newer products like solar shingles, make sure your company of choice offers everything you want. Some solar companies only offer solar panels, while others offer a wider range of products.

 

The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island

There are only 11 local solar installers in Rhode Island, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), plus national companies that operate within the state as well. Although there are fewer providers than most other states have access to, we still took our time to research each one and rank them based on what we feel is most important to providing you with a good experience. Below are the top six factors we look at when assessing the best solar companies in Rhode Island:

  • Local reputation and reviews (20%): We always look first at a company’s reputation, often by reading through dozens of customer reviews. We look for things the installer is doing correctly, like providing good customer service and professionalism, responding to warranty claims and maintaining a line of communication throughout the process. Companies with higher customer reviews generally rank higher, as they are more likely to meet and exceed your expectations.
  • Pricing and financing (20%): The per-watt price for photovoltaic (PV) equipment in Rhode Island is around $3.68, which is well above the national average of $3.33. Since higher per-watt prices make solar equipment more expensive and less accessible, we look for companies that combat this by keeping prices low and offering multiple financing options.
  • Services offered (20%): Lots of Rhode Islanders look for ways to customize their systems, like adding solar batteries to overcome the net metering credit cap, adding EV chargers as EVs increase in popularity and more. Companies that have robust service offerings rank higher than those just installing panels and batteries. Those that also offer energy efficiency upgrades get ranked higher as well, as the high cost of electricity in the state leads many customers to consider these home improvements.
  • Warranty coverage (20%): Rhode Island sees quite a lot of extreme weather, from annual rainfall that’s around 1.5x higher than the national average to hurricanes and tropical storms that put rooftop panels at an increased risk of damage. Installers that provide lengthy warranty coverage for your panels, their efficiency and labor not only provide peace of mind that your system will endure through the weather but will also continue to produce sufficient energy to provide substantial savings over time.
  • Company experience (10%): With solar gaining popularity and equipment prices dropping in Rhode Island, more and more companies are popping up to keep up with demand. With a relatively untapped market comes less reputable companies looking to capitalize. We prefer to recommend companies with at least ten years of experience, as this helps ensure your installation is done properly and by experienced technicians. Companies with longevity are also more likely to stick around, which means they can continue honoring your warranty coverage.
  • Brand quality (10%): Finally, we look at the brands of equipment installed by each company. We love to see multiple brands that appeal to customers of all backgrounds, including those looking for maximum efficiency and those instead looking to keep installation prices at a minimum.

Read More About Going Solar in Rhode Island 

FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island

Consumers trust the EcoWatch brand when it comes to solar, so we get a lot of questions about the best solar companies. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received from Rhode Island homeowners, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.

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Article author
Faith is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds English and economics degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her background includes event management and technical publishing. Faith is passionate about the arts and loves exploring environmental issues through economic and artistic lenses. She also enjoys spending time in nature, collecting books and practicing her Spanish.
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Expert reviewer
Tori is an editor, writer, rock climber and travel enthusiast. A native New Yorker, she graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a degree in communications and journalism. Before joining EcoWatch, Tori helped to oversee communication strategies for the City of Philadelphia. Her experience also includes communications work in the nonprofit and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering political, environmental and social issues in New York's Hudson Valley. In her spare time, Tori can be found in the mountains climbing boulders, traveling to new cities or at one of Philadelphia's many music venues.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Price-match guarantee
    • Sleek, efficient and durable solar panels
    • Best solar battery on the market
    • Some reported issues with customer service
    • Customer service varies by local dealer
    C
    Best Technology

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