Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Kingstown, RI (2024 Update)

  • North Kingstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,262
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,088
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Kingstown

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Kingstown.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Kingstown it’s 4 per watt.The average North Kingstown 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.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Kingstown see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in North Kingstown

YearReturn 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 North Kingstown

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 North Kingstown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Kingstown

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in North Kingstown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar 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 crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like North Kingstown, 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

Most solar companies in North Kingstown provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for North Kingstown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Kingstown is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.23$17,778$15,53413.3 years
8 kW$4.15$23,248$21,16713.1 years
10 kW$4.07$28,490$27,02912.8 years
12 kW$3.99$33,504$33,11912.6 years
14 kW$3.91$38,291$39,43612.3 years
16 kW$3.83$42,849$45,98212.1 years
18 kW$3.74$47,179$52,75511.8 years
20 kW$3.66$51,282$59,75611.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's North Kingstown, RI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Kingstown?

The average cost of solar panels in North Kingstown 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in North Kingstown?

Solar panels aren’t free in North Kingstown, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Kingstown?

Each state has some form 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.