15 Best Solar Companies in Providence, RI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Providence based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Providence, RI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Providence homeowner saves $1,687/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Providence
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Providence. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Providence, giving homeowners access to some of the best solar installers in the country.
There are so many installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Providence.Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Providence
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
Sunrun Fusion New England
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
DO IT RIGHT SOLAR
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Sunwatt Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Full-Service
Evergreen Solar | RI & MA Solar Panel Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
Rooftop Power
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
NEC Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Got Sun Go Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
GoGreenWithGlenn Rhodes Trinity Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Sun Group Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
Beacon Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
Renewable Energy Services Of New England, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
New England Clean Energy - Rhode Island Office
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Vantage Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
US SolarWorks
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Solar Carports
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Providence
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Providence based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Providence
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Rhode Island solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Providence
While solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.There are a few factors you should consider when determining costs and your potential savings, such as:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $20,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can purchase.
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can substantially reduce, or totally get rid of, your utility bills. In Providence, you can save an average of $1,531 a month.
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Because of Providence’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Providence
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local benefits, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For detailed information about incentives for homeowners in Providence, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Providence
There are lots of reasons to switch to solar energy, like saving on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Providence, though. As stated by the EPA, electricity production is the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. Switching to a clean energy source like solar power can help put a dent in that statistic in a city like Providence that generates a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.When you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 40 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with committing to solar.
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 Providence, RI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Providence?
In Providence, SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 13.5 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for your home's energy needs.
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.