Cost of Solar Panels in Rhode Island (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Rhode Island?

Solar panel installation costs generally range $13,850 to $27,700 in Rhode Island.

This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs. A battery can help you rely less on the grid and is practically essential for an off-grid system.

The size of your solar panel system is another big factor in your overall solar costs. The average size of solar systems in Rhode Island is 11.38 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Rhode Island

Are solar panels worth it in Rhode Island?

Overall, going solar in Rhode Island is worth it for the savings on utility bills. The state has high electricity costs, so you can save a lot over time by installing solar panels. On average, Rhode Islanders with solar panels avoid $77,796 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Many residents go solar to lower their electric bills and help the environment at the same time. “We tried to be as earth-friendly as we can be, and we're just so sick of the ridiculous prices that National Grid charges,” Nancy in Jamestown told us. Another resident, Valerie in Newport, said she loves getting $0 power bills.

However, not everyone can completely eliminate their power bills. Your energy needs are a big factor in whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment. For instance, Leslie in Tiverton went solar to reduce their electricity costs. After the installation team arrived, however, Leslie realized they needed a second battery, and their septic system would not be on a generator backup.

As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth considering if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence. If you also have an electric vehicle, solar panels will save you even more.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Rhode Island

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar panels

Most of your solar equipment costs come down to how much you pay for solar panels. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.

Additional solar equipment costs

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. It’s a must if you want real energy independence, and they sometimes cost as much as the panels. Prices often depend on the battery’s storage capacity, life span, brand and other factors. Solar batteries typically cost $7,000 to $18,000, though some are $30,000 or more.

• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.

• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. If you want to ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the do-it-yourself route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

Other cost factors

Permits and interconnection fees, though relatively cheap, are worth mentioning. Rhode Island has streamlined the solar permitting process with a single, straightforward permit that applies to all solar panel projects across the state.

Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but potential repair or replacement of components, periodic cleaning and system monitoring can add to the lifetime cost.

» GUIDE: Solar panel installation

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Rhode Island

Rhode Island still gives homeowners a few ways to save on solar, even though the 30% federal solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025. Depending on your system, you may qualify for grants, tax breaks or utility incentives that can lower the cost:

• Sales tax exemption: Solar equipment is exempt from Rhode Island’s 7% sales tax.

• Property tax exemption: Qualifying solar systems generally won’t increase your property tax bill.

• Net metering: Lets eligible homeowners earn bill credits for the solar power their system sends to the grid.

• Renewable Energy Fund: Offers grants that can lower the upfront cost of a solar installation.

• Renewable Energy Growth Program: Pays eligible solar customers a fixed rate for the electricity their system produces.

• Community solar: Lets renters and homeowners with unsuitable roofs subscribe to a shared solar project instead.

How can I pay for solar panels in Rhode Island?

Solar financing and leasing programs make the upfront costs of solar more manageable.

• Solar loans work like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.

• Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.

How to save money on solar panels in Rhode Island

There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Rhode Island:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in Rhode Island. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value. Don't just go with the cheapest option without vetting quality and services.
• Lower your electrical load: Before going solar, it’s smart to upgrade any old appliances. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Compare solar installation companies in Rhode Island

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Rhode Island.

FAQ

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on factors like the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Rhode Island homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Rhode Island and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Rhode Island and nearby states