Choosing the right solar installer in Rhode Island can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision, you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Rhode Island’s top-rated solar companies, combining Solar Power Systems expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Rhode Island’s most trusted solar installers:
Smart Green Solar review 33 Broad St Fifth Floor, Providence, RI 02903, United States
New England Clean Energy review Providence, RI, 02909
Our Expert Choice badge goes to New England Clean Energy, which concentrates on serving fewer than 3 states. With a read more…
New England Clean Energy review 166 Valley St., Building 6M Suite 103, Providence RI, 02909
Our Expert Choice badge goes to New England Clean Energy, which concentrates on serving fewer than 3 states. With a read more…
Rooftop Power review 172 Taunton Ave Unit 11 East Providence, RI 02914
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Rooftop Power read more…
Sunwatt Solar review 1005 Main St. Unit 2129 Pawtucket, RI 02860
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Sunwatt Solar read more…
Evergreen Solar review 163 Exchange St STE 201, Pawtucket, RI 02860
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Evergreen Solar read more…
Rooftop Power review 275 West Natick Rd. Suite 800 Warwick RI 02886, Warwick RI, 02886
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Rooftop Power read more…
NEC Solar review 121 Broadcommon Rd Bristol, RI 02809
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, NEC Solar read more…
Isaksen Solar review 18 Pocasset St, Fall River, MA 02721, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Isaksen Solar read more…
Newport Solar review 300 Old Baptist Rd #2, North Kingstown, RI 02852, United States
Newport Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Beacon Solar Construction review 231 Weaver Street, Fall River MA, 02720
Beacon Solar Construction is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Summit Energy review 15 Berkshire Rd, Mansfield, MA 02048, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Summit Energy read more…
Mass Renewables review 90 Mendon St Bellingham, MA 02019
Mass Renewables is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
SGE Solar review 85 S. Bow Street, Milford MA, 01757
Our Expert Choice badge goes to SGE Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 3 states. With a foundation dating read more…
Gansett Solar review 118 Point Judith Rd UNIT 5, Narragansett, RI 02882, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Gansett Solar read more…
Suntastic Solutions review 24 Ruszenas St, Griswold, CT 06351
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Suntastic Solutions read more…
Golden Group Roofing review 276 Turnpike Rd Suite 223, Westborough, MA 01581
Golden Group Roofing is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Sunrich Power review 1 Adams Pl, Quincy, MA 02169, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Sunrich Power read more…
Solar Medix review 156 Northboro Rd A6, Southborough, MA 01772, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Medix read more…
Endless Energy review 184 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Endless Energy read more…
Solar Panel Cost in Rhode Island
Rhode Island homeowners pay around $2.94 per watt for solar panels in 2025, installation included. A typical 5 kW residential solar panels system runs about $14,700 before incentives, though you might pay anywhere from $12,500 to $17,000 depending on your setup. Getting a handle on how much do solar panels cost is your starting point for figuring out whether solar panels in Rhode Island make sense for your home.
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Cost After 30% Federal Tax Credit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,700 | $10,290 | ||
| 6 kW | $17,640 | $12,348 | ||
| 7 kW | $20,580 | $14,406 | ||
| 8 kW | $23,520 | $16,464 | ||
| 10 kW | $29,400 | $20,580 | ||
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of November 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Most installers quote around $2.94 per watt, which means a 7.2 kW system comes to $14,818 after you claim the 30% federal tax credit. Bigger systems naturally cost more—expect to spend $20,000 to $30,000 before incentives kick in. These numbers cover everything: equipment, labor, and installation. When researching how much it costs to install solar panels, remember that the cost of solar panel installation includes all of this. Understanding solar panels prices helps you budget for your investment.
What You’re Paying for Electricity?
Rhode Island has some pricey electricity. The average rate sits at 27.84 cents per kWh, and most households see bills around $163.78 monthly. Rhode Island Energy raised rates significantly—bills went up by an average of $22.28 per month starting October 1, 2024, representing a 16% jump in winter electric rates. That’s exactly why solar looks so attractive here.
Incentives That Actually Matter
The real cost of solar panels in Rhode Island drops considerably once you factor in the solar incentives. Here’s what’s available:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
This is the big one. The 30% federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025—this is a firm deadline following recent legislation. If you install solar this year, you can deduct 30% of your total installation cost from your federal taxes. On a $14,999 system, that’s $4,500 back in your pocket.
Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (REF)
The state will give you $0.65 per watt, up to $5,000. Your installer receives this grant and passes the discount to you. There are two final rounds in 2025: September 12th (9AM-5PM) for small projects and October 31st (9AM-5PM) for commercial ones. The grant goes straight to your installer, who then knocks that amount off your bill.
Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program
This program pays you for the power you generate. Depending on your project size and whether you pick a 15 or 20-year term, Rhode Island Energy pays either 33.85 or 32.35 cents per kWh. They’re accepting applications until they hit 9 MW of capacity for 2025 or until March 31, 2026, whichever comes first. You get bill credits up to what you owe, and anything beyond that comes as direct deposits.
Other State Benefits
Rhode Island doesn’t charge sales tax on solar equipment—that’s 7% saved right there, helping answer how much are solar panels once you factor in this exemption. Your property taxes won’t go up for 20 years after installation, either. Add a battery system and you get another $2,000 energy storage bonus.
Net Metering Works in Your Favor
When your panels produce more electricity than you use, you get credits for sending it back to the grid. Rhode Island’s net metering program gives you close to retail rates for that excess energy. Credits roll over month to month indefinitely. Since 2024, you can also cash out excess credits or move them to another account.
Things Worth Knowing
How Much Sun Does Rhode Island Really Get?
Providence averages 4.93 kWh/m²/day of solar radiation annually. July peaks at 5.84 kWh/m²/day, with June close behind at 5.78. Winter’s obviously slower—December bottoms out at 3.33 kWh/m²/day, November hits 3.79, and January manages 3.81.
The coastal weather means conditions vary by season, but Rhode Island still gets enough sun year-round to make solar work. About 202 sunny days a year gives you plenty of solar resource for both home and business installations.
Permits and Getting Connected
Your installer handles most of the paperwork—zoning rules, HOA requirements, utility policies. The permitting and utility approval process usually takes one to two months, though your mileage may vary depending on where you live. Getting connected to the grid takes a few months.
Rhode Island’s permitting is pretty straightforward, but check your local regulations and HOA restrictions before you start. Most installers know how to navigate Rhode Island Energy’s interconnection standards.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Quick Timeline
Initial consultation: a few days. Design and hardware selection: one to two weeks. Permits and approvals: one to two months. The actual installation? Usually just one day. From first consultation to system activation, most people are done in one to three months.
Full Project Schedule
Commercial projects drag on longer—7 to 12 months typically. Residential installations move faster, usually wrapping up in 2 to 6 months from start to finish. Your timeline depends on:
- Whether you’re applying for a REF grant
- How backed up your local permitting office is
- The utility interconnection queue
- Weather during installation
- Equipment availability
If you’re going for the REF grant, expect to wait a bit longer for approval. The grant amount usually makes the wait worth it.
When Do You Break Even?
Most homeowners recover their investment in about 6.77 years through electricity savings. Solar panels last at least 25 years, often longer. Over 25 years, Rhode Island homeowners save an average of $133,222 on electricity costs with a typical solar system.
A 6 kW system pays for itself in roughly 7 years and saves you about $25,196 over 20 years. Those numbers work because Rhode Island’s electricity rates are high and the incentives are generous.
Is Solar Worth It Here?
For most Rhode Island homeowners, yes. The math works out. Electricity rates here run well above the national average, and the incentive programs are solid. Between the 30% federal credit (disappearing after 2025), state grants, tax exemptions, and performance incentives, your upfront costs drop significantly.
Breaking even in 6-7 years means nearly two decades of free electricity after that. Solar also shields you from rate increases, which have jumped 28% in Rhode Island between 2020 and 2024.
Beyond the money, you’re cutting your carbon footprint and contributing to Rhode Island’s 2033 goal of 100% renewable energy. Solar increases home values and needs minimal maintenance over its 25-30 year lifespan.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Rhode Island?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Rhode Island is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, as well as warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
Every experienced solar company conducts a home energy audit to determine the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, local municipality inspection should check and approve it.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
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