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2026 Solar Pricing Data
Average installed price of $2.91/W — a typical 11.03 kW system costs $32,097 before incentives.
EnergySage $/W
$2.91
Avg System Cost
$32,097
Payback Period
9.4 yrs
25-Year Savings
$100,462
Estimated costs based on $2.91/W average before incentives.
| System Size (kW) | Number of Panels | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~7 panels | $8,730 |
| 4 kW | ~10 panels | $11,640 |
| 5 kW | ~12 panels | $14,550 |
| 6 kW | ~15 panels | $17,460 |
| 7 kW | ~17 panels | $20,370 |
| 8 kW | ~20 panels | $23,280 |
| 9 kW | ~22 panels | $26,190 |
| 10 kW | ~25 panels | $29,100 |
| 11 kW | ~27 panels | $32,010 |
| 12 kW | ~30 panels | $34,920 |
| 13 kW | ~32 panels | $37,830 |
| 14 kW | ~35 panels | $40,740 |
Prices vary based on equipment, installer, and system complexity.
For a typical 11.03 kW system in Rhode Island
Multi-plane roofs, steep pitches, tile or slate surfaces, and older roofs needing reinforcement all increase labor and mounting costs.
Larger systems have a lower per-watt cost thanks to volume discounts. A 12 kW system typically costs less per watt than a 5 kW system.
Premium panels (REC, Maxeon) and microinverters (Enphase) cost more upfront but deliver better long-term performance and warranties.
Permit fees, inspection requirements, and interconnection timelines vary by municipality in Rhode Island and can affect total project cost.
The Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit expired December 31, 2025. Homeowner cash or loan purchases receive $0 federal tax credit in 2026. Third-party owned systems (solar lease or PPA) still qualify for the 30% ITC under Section 48/48E.
Incentive Rate
$0.35/W
Max Amount
$7,000
Duration
180 months
This state incentive can significantly reduce your net cost. Combined with a solar lease or PPA (which still qualifies for the 30% commercial ITC), Rhode Island remains a strong state for going solar in 2026.
Payback Period
9.4 years
Avg Electricity Rate
$0.27/kWh
25-Year Net Savings
$100,462
A typical solar system in Rhode Island pays for itself in approximately 9.4 years.Rhode Island electricity rates average $0.27/kWh, and with rates historically rising 3–5% annually, your solar investment becomes more valuable each year. Over a 25-year system lifetime, Rhode Island homeowners can expect approximately $100,462 in net savings after system costs. Once the system is paid off, your electricity is essentially free for the remaining 15–20 years of the panel warranty.
Pricing data sourced from the EnergySage Marketplace (January 2026). EnergySage aggregates quotes from hundreds of pre-screened installers nationwide. NuWatt pricing ($3.2/W in Rhode Island) reflects our premium equipment packages with Enphase microinverters and Tier 1 panels.
See exactly what solar will cost for your Rhode Island home. Our NABCEP-certified team designs a custom system based on your roof, usage, and goals.
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