Introduction
Rhode Island has seen immense growth in solar adoption over the past decade. The number of local solar jobs has increased by over 200% since 2010, showing the rising opportunities in this industry. Compared to neighbors like Connecticut and Massachusetts, Rhode Island has comparably fewer bureaucratic hurdles for installing solar panels. Paired with the Ocean State‘s abundant open land even in suburban areas, these factors facilitate solar expansion. Homeowners in Rhode Island have much to gain by going solar, especially with incentives like the 26% federal solar tax credit. This article compares the top 5 solar companies in Rhode Island to assist you in navigating your options.
Overview of The Top 5 Solar Companies in Rhode Island
| Company | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Solar | Overall | 30+ years experience; full-service installation; variety of purchase/leasing options |
| SunPower | High-Efficiency Equipment | Industry-leading panel efficiency; 25-year comprehensive warranty |
| SUNRUN | National Provider | 20+ years experience; wide range of finance options including $0 down |
| Venture Solar | Low Upfront Costs | Competitive pricing; $0 down leasing/PPA options |
| New England Clean Energy | Local Experience | 2,000+ RI installs; customized approach backed by solar experts with deep community ties |
Best Overall: Trinity Solar
Trinity Solar is my top overall pick for Rhode Island due to their rare combination of experience, service, and flexibility. Established in 1984 with over 85,000 installations nationally, Trinity entered Rhode Island in 2014 and rapidly expanded their team to cover the entire state. Their 70+ full-time installation employees ensure timely, professional service at competitive pricing.
In their nearly 40 years of solar innovation, Trinity has fine-tuned financing solutions to minimize costs for customers. Their $0 down lease and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) options allow you to save over 20% on electric bills from day one with no upfront panel purchase required. Trinity determines optimal solutions by analyzing your historical energy consumption and baking in projected utility rate hikes. Customers retain ownership of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which you can sell to your utility for added income.
Trinity sets itself apart with an eye for simplicity and clarity as well. Their online solar calculator provides a detailed preliminary pricing estimate based on factors like shading and roof space. Standardized lease/PPA and purchase contracts eschew complicated legal language to get you from proposal to install fast.
Best for Equipment: SunPower
When it comes to solar equipment, SunPower is unmatched in terms of efficiency and reliability. As one of the only vertically integrated solar providers that handles their own manufacturing and R&D, SunPower produces the highest efficiency panels on the market. Their trademark Maxeon panels hold the world record for efficiency at 24.2% compared to approximately 15-18% for standard models. This cutting-edge equipment translates to 40% more energy generation per surface area on average.
SunPower offers equisite warranties to stand behind their technology. Each residential equipment package comes with both a 25-year warranty protecting against defects and a 25-year warranty guaranteeing 92% of the minimal power output. Having confidence in these industry-best coverage terms provides peace of mind for discerning solar shoppers in Rhode Island. While SunPower contracts out installation to authorized local dealers, the company will ensure full support throughout any equipment issues. For homeowners who prioritize elite solar performance over cost savings, SunPower delivers.
Best National Provider: SUNRUN
For Rhode Islanders seeking the reputability of a large-scale national solar provider with flexibility on cost, SUNRUN leads the pack. As the nation‘s largest dedicated home solar and battery storage provider, SUNRUN has facilitated over 760,000 installs across 25 states since their 2007 founding. Their buying power, financing expertise, and sheer scale translate to competitive pricing for customers even in newer markets like Rhode Island.
SUNRUN makes the process smooth and predictable through tiered pricing packages. Lease or long-term loan options feature $0 down followed by fixed monthly payments predicated on your typical energy consumption. For the most savings, their cash purchase option offers full ownership for your panels and batteries at the lowest overall price.
All financing routes, even including leased equipment, are covered by SUNRUN‘s 25-year warranty protecting against defects and undersized energy generation. This ensures that savings expectations will be fulfilled for the full lifespan of your system. For added resilience, SUNRUN provides home solar battery options through their BrightBox line developed fully in-house.
Best for Low Upfront Costs: Venture Solar
Venture Solar distinguishes itself through transparent pricing and emphasis on affordability from the transaction outset. As opposed to prevalent $5,000 – $10,000 down payments in the solar industry, Venture Solar offers true $0 down lease and power purchase agreements. This lower barrier to entry opens residential solar savings to a wider swath of Rhode Island households.
In another boon for first-time solar customers, Venture presents you an exact cost breakdown detailing state/federal incentives ahead of signing. What you see upfront with Venture Solar is what you pay over the multi-decade equipment life. The company also sets itself apart through striking, low-profile panel design. Their racking hardware minimizes visibility of roof-mount hardware for a sleek monochromatic appearance. For customers valuing affordability plus aesthetics, Venture Solar excels.
Since their 2015 founding, Venture has also accumulated over 450 5-star customer reviews championing their combination of price transparency, minimal upfront costs, and seamless installation process. As they expand service in Rhode Island, Venture Solar provides exceptional overall value made clear for shoppers from the first quote.
Best Local Provider: New England Clean Energy
New England Clean Energy stands above other Rhode Island solar providers thanks to their hyper-localized and customized approach. With offices in Rhode Island along with a wealth of on-the-ground experience accrued over 2,000+ regional installs, New England Clean Energy holds invaluable insights into state building codes, utility policies, weather patterns and terrain factors that influence solar decisions. Their team works closely with you to match needs and preferences rather than utilizing a one-size-fits-all tactic.
Another advantage stemming from New England Clean Energy‘s decade-plus regional track record is connections with local partners. They maintain trusted relationships with electricians, roofers, and other tradespeople to handle any ancillary house updates needed before or after solar setup. Through supplements like roof replacement, electrical panel upgrades and weatherization, they ensure that each component of your home works together with your new solar system seamlessly.
Homeowners who want a solar provider entrenched in and giving back to Rhode Island communities will find an ideal partner in New England Clean Energy. From sponsoring local clean energy nonprofits to volunteering installation labor at deserving households, New England Clean Energy contributes to the Ocean State‘s civic fabric while empowering your household‘s transition to sustainability.
What To Consider When Choosing a Rhode Island Solar Company
With the foundational knowledge of Rhode Island‘s solar landscape and top-ranked providers above, here are key factors to weigh as you evaluate installers offering quotes for your household.
Solar Panel Types: The three main solar panel varieties—monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film—vary drastically in terms of efficiency, lifespan, temperature resistance and price. Selecting the proper panel materials for your roof‘s dimensions, shading and orientation will maximize power generation. Ask any company you compare for details on which brand and composition of solar panels they recommend and why.
Equipment & Performance Warranties: Reputable solar companies will provide thorough equipment and performance warranties to assure your system‘s functionality and protect your investment. Search for at least 10-year coverage encompassing repairs/replacement costs for equipment deficiencies and annual energy output guarantees based on solar modeling.
Installation & Maintenance: Understand whether your solar provider handles installation in-house or contracts the physical labor out to third parties. This gives insight into quality control measures, technician training practices, and who to contact for maintenance issues. Target companies with extensive in-house staff rather than those lacking solar expertise that must outsource key functions.
Financing: Solar loans, leases and power purchase agreements vary widely on factors like upfront costs, contract duration, ownership rights, and exposure to incentive programs like SRECs and federal tax credits. Ask prospective installers to map out multiple packages tailored to your requirements and compare based on long-term savings.
Financial Incentives For Rhode Island Solar Customers
Given solar power‘s steep upfront equipment and installation costs, leveraging every available financial incentive and rebate is key to maximizing ROI. Here are the top programs Rhode Island solar adopters can capitalize on.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The 26% (for 2022) federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) deducts nearly one-third of total system costs from your tax liability. This applies to owned systems only.
SRECs
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are tradeable credits you earn for each generated MWh. Over 10 years, SRECs can provide thousands in additional income by selling these to your utility.
Property Tax Exemption
Solar installations are exempt from increasing your property tax assessment in Rhode Island. This avoids potentially hundreds of dollars per year in higher property taxes.
Sales Tax Exemption
Solar equipment purchases are 100% exempt from Rhode Island‘s 7% state sales tax. This discount reduces overall system costs further.
Net Metering
For surplus solar energy sent back into the grid, utilities must reimburse you at the retail electricity rate through net metering. This bill credit rolls over month-to-month at full value in Rhode Island.
Conclusion
With the momentum Rhode Island has built through committed solar incentives, access to ample installation crews, and public/private support for statewide renewable targets, the state stands poised for immense solar expansion in coming years. Homeowners who get ahead of the curve with the guidance of a trusted solar provider will reap savings for decades while contributing to broader community sustainability. This assessment of the top solar companies providing services tailored specifically to Rhode Island aims to spark your journey toward energy independence. Reach out with any questions!
