Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Westerly homeowners. A solar panel array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Going solar can help cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Westerly. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. To work on a solar energy system in Rhode Island, a company must have both a State Electrical Contractor's License and at least a Journeyperson's License from the Department of Labor and Training.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The average Westerly homeowner will spend around $11,262 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Westerly cost roughly $4,070 per kilowatt, with an average size of 4.0 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Westerly, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Westerly amount to $878.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar energy company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
