Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingston, RI (2024 Update)
- Kingston 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 Kingston
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Kingston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kingston typically cost around 4.Because a 4.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Kingston, the average price of going solar will be about $11,262 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Kingston homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kingston
| 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 Kingston
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Kingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Kingston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kingston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingston to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Kingston, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts 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 quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's Kingston, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kingston?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.