Best 5 Solar Companies in Warwick, RI

With Warwick's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses seeking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Warwick's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of Warwick solar installers, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Warwick solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies 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 good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer 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 Warwick community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. 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 energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Warwick Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Warwick

The cost and performance of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

To work on a solar energy system in Rhode Island, an installer will need 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 Warwick

Your photovoltaic panels' type will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these extras, so look for a contractor 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 Warwick. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Warwick solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Warwick

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, cash payments and solar leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent 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 contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs 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