Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greenville, RI (2024 Update)
- Greenville Solar Installation Cost: $11,860
- 25-Year Savings: $13,671
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville
We go over average solar pricing in Greenville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Greenville, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Greenville is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,860 for a solar installation, or $16,960 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Greenville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Greenville homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Greenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,329 |
| 3 years | $-7,267 |
| 5 years | $-4,205 |
| 7 years | $-1,143 |
| 9 years | $1,919 |
| 11 years | $4,981 |
| 13 years | $8,043 |
| 15 years | $11,105 |
| 17 years | $14,168 |
| 19 years | $17,230 |
| 21 years | $20,292 |
| 23 years | $23,354 |
| 25 years | $26,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Greenville
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Greenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greenville
For many Greenville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Greenville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Greenville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Greenville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,854 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $18,928 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $24,230 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $29,760 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $35,518 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $41,503 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $47,717 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $54,159 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Greenville, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Greenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Greenville is about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,054.41 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.