Best 5 Solar Companies in Cumberland, RI

Cumberland homeowners are fortunate to live in ample sunlight, both to bask in and harness as energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Cumberland's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of Cumberland solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the superior:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Cumberland solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Cumberland community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Cumberland Homeowners?

Rhode Island homeowners who choose solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cumberland

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

To install a solar energy system in Rhode Island, a contractor must have both a State Electrical Contractor's License and at least a Journeyperson's License from the Department of Labor and Training. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cumberland

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

You can plan to spend about $20,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Cumberland. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Cumberland solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Cumberland

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

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