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Best 5 Solar Companies in East Providence, RI
The best solar company in East Providence is SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
East Providence homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. Solar experts take a personalized and educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and customize it to their preferences. On this page, we'll showcase East Providence's most reputable solar contractors and share insightful advice for your solar journey.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
5 Best Solar Companies in East Providence
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
E2 Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sunrun Fusion New England
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Rooftop Power
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
DO IT RIGHT SOLAR
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
We assessed dozens of East Providence solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most East Providence solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
- Experience and professional licensure: 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 been a part of the East Providence community for more than a decade.
- Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
Facts about East Providence
- Average Max Temperature:57°F
- Solar Payback Period:14 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:52%
- Homes Powered by Solar:1,870
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,531
- Solar Power per Capita:34.2%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- 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 your power company for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to East Providence Homeowners?
Rhode Island's public agencies and power companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://www.riib.org/cpace
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.energy.ri.gov/policies-programs/programs-incentives/
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.energy.ri.gov/policies-programs/programs-incentives/
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from property taxes
Incentive Type:Grant Program
Website:http://commerceri.com/finance-business/renewable-energy-fund/small-scale-projects/
Incentive Amount:
Solar PV
Direct Ownership: $1.05/W
Third Party Ownership: $0.70/W
Solar Domestic Hot Water Heating
Direct Ownership: 25% of project contract price
Third Party Ownership: 10% of total contract price
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in East Providence
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while searching for a solar installer.
Licensing and Training
To install a solar energy system in Rhode Island, a company will need 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 accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 East Providence
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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 accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.
You can expect to pay about $20,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in East Providence. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much East Providence solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,147.50 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $895.05 |
| Thin-Film | $523.26 |
| Solar Battery | $734.40 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,754.00 |
Financing Solar Energy in East Providence
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 cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. We recommend paying with cash or securing 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 reduce 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in East Providence.
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. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.0 years |
| 2 kW | 4.0 years |
| 5 kW | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | 19.8 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in East Providence
On average, East Providence homeowners shell out roughly $1,531 per year for energy. Once you pay off your solar array, you could save $1,054.41 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in East Providence. A growing number of local homes generate or access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Rhode Island has about 1009 jobs comprising its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could boost your property value by $12,000.
Even if your property has high tree cover, you could still use solar energy. Your provider will optimize your system's performance by selecting the proper site for panels, cleaning them regularly, installing a battery backup system, and positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year. This way, you can store solar power and utilize it as necessary.
Solar panels don't need much maintenance to keep working properly. All you'll need to do is inspect and clean the panels every six months or as necessary in dusty seasons. Solar companies frequently offer maintenance packages to assist in your system's care.
The average East Providence solar system size is 4.2 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your household's energy needs. Your panel model, surrounding shading, and roof size could also impact your final result. A professional solar company will consider these factors and determine the right array size for your home.
Yes, we advise asking for free solar quotes from three or more companies. You should thoroughly read each quote and compare labor fees, financing options, prework scope and costs, warranty details and equipment costs. Ensure each quote offers an itemized financial plan and includes your anticipated payback period.
Sources
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