Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, RI (2024 Update)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $11,205
- 25-Year Savings: $14,128
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
We break down average solar pricing in Middletown.
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Middletown is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,205 for a solar installation, or $16,023 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Middletown 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 initial cost, the average Middletown homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Middletown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,674 |
| 3 years | $-6,612 |
| 5 years | $-3,550 |
| 7 years | $-488 |
| 9 years | $2,574 |
| 11 years | $5,636 |
| 13 years | $8,698 |
| 15 years | $11,760 |
| 17 years | $14,822 |
| 19 years | $17,884 |
| 21 years | $20,946 |
| 23 years | $24,009 |
| 25 years | $27,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Middletown, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Middletown, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
The cost of installing a solar system in Middletown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Middletown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Middletown, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $15,703 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $21,393 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $27,311 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $33,458 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $39,831 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $46,433 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $53,263 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $60,321 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Middletown, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority 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 power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.