Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, RI (2024 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $11,262
- 25-Year Savings: $14,088
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
We go over average solar pricing in Exeter.
In Exeter, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Exeter, the average price of going solar will be about $11,262 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Exeter depending on a few 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 fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Exeter can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| 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 Exeter
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
The cost of installing a solar system in Exeter can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,070. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Exeter to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Exeter, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 lot of companies available in Exeter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Exeter, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Exeter?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Exeter have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Exeter?
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 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.