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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kingston, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Kingston homeowner needs a 4.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,262 with the federal tax credit, or $16,105 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kingston homeowner. 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.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Kingston can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Kingston for a custom quote.
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 time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Kingston:
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 Kingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston
For many Kingston homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kingston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,070 per kilowatt in Kingston.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingston to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Kingston homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Kingston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Kingston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 numerous companies to choose from in Kingston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Kingston, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Kingston 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 it worth going solar in Kingston?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.