Best 5 Solar Companies in Coventry, RI

With Coventry's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for a top-notch company. In this guide, we'll showcase Coventry's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of Coventry solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Coventry solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Coventry community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Coventry Homeowners?

Rhode Island's public agencies and power companies offer a number of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Coventry

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

To install a solar energy system in Rhode Island, a company must have both a State Electrical Contractor's License and at least a Journeyperson's License from the Department of Labor and Training. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Coventry

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Coventry and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $20,350 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Coventry

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Coventry.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy