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Solar Cost Per Watt in Rhode Island

Average $$3.50/W • Rank #$45 of 51 • 16.2-year payback • Updated 2026

Urgent tax credit deadlines

  • Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
  • Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
See the full deadline tracker

Cost Per Watt

$3.50

avg in Rhode Island

vs National

+$0.43

(+14.0%)

Payback (8kW)

16.2 yrs

avg

Sun Hours/Day

4.3

peak

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Cost Per Watt by System Size in Rhode Island

Cost per watt typically decreases for larger systems (economies of scale).

$3.85
4kW
$3.68
5kW
$3.57
6kW
$3.50
7kW
$3.43
8kW
$3.32
10kW
$3.22
15kW

Bars show Rhode Island's $/W for each system size. Lower = better value.

System Size Cost Per Watt Total Cost vs National Avg
4 kW $3.85/W $14,000 +$0.78
5 kW $3.68/W $17,500 +$0.61
6 kW $3.57/W $21,000 +$0.50
7 kW $3.50/W $24,500 +$0.43
8 kW $3.43/W $28,000 +$0.36
10 kW $3.32/W $35,000 +$0.25
15 kW $3.22/W $52,500 +$0.15

Solar Cost Overview for Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the average installed cost for residential solar is $3.50 per watt, with typical systems ranging from $3.50/W to $3.50/W depending on the installer, equipment quality, and roof complexity. Rhode Island ranks #45 out of 51 states (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability — 42 states have cheaper solar.

Rhode Island is near the national average — solid value with good installers.

What's Driving Rhode Island's Solar Costs?

Rhode Island's $$3.50/W average reflects a combination of above average equipment costs, above-average local utility rates ($0.160/kWh vs national avg $0.1490/kWh), and below-average solar resource (4.3 sun hours/day vs national avg 4.7).

Note on panel pricing: Prices shown reflect AVL/DomCon-compliant panels that qualify for IRA bonus credits. Non-compliant panels (Mission, JA, Canadian) are available from $0.37/W panel-only but do NOT qualify for the 30% federal tax credit or IRA bonus credits. Learn about panel compliance costs →

Rhode Island Solar Incentives & Policies

Net Metering

Full retail net metering

State Tax Credit

None

Property Tax Exemption

Yes

Sales Tax Exemption

Yes

⚠ 2026 Federal ITC Update

The Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025. Owned residential systems installed in 2026 no longer qualify. The 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.

States With Similar Solar Costs

State Avg $/W vs Rhode Island Payback Sun Hours
Rhode Island (you) $3.50 — 16.2 yrs 4.3
District of Columbia $3.50 +$0.00 16.2 yrs 4.6
New Jersey $3.50 +$0.00 16.7 yrs 4.4
New Hampshire $3.40 $-0.10 14.3 yrs 4.2
Connecticut $3.60 +$0.10 16.7 yrs 4.4
New York $3.60 +$0.10 17.4 yrs 4.4
View all 50 states →

Rhode Island Solar Cost FAQs

How much do solar panels cost in Rhode Island?
A typical 8kW residential solar system in Rhode Island costs approximately $28,000 before incentives, at an average of $3.50 per watt. Smaller 5kW systems start around $17,500, while larger 10kW systems can reach $35,000. The exact price depends on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and local permitting costs.
Is Rhode Island a cheap or expensive state for solar?
Rhode Island's average cost of $3.50/W is $0.43 above the national average of $3.07/W. Rhode Island ranks #45 out of 51 (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability. Rhode Island is near the national average — solid value with good installers.
What is the payback period for solar in Rhode Island?
The average solar payback period in Rhode Island is 16.2 years for an 8kW system costing $28,000 and generating approximately 10,798 kWh per year. With Rhode Island's average utility rate of $0.160/kWh, you'd save about $1,728 per year. After the 16.2-year payback period, the system continues producing electricity for 15+ more years.
Does Rhode Island have net metering?
Rhode Island offers full retail net metering — you receive credit for excess solar production at the same rate you pay for electricity. This is the most favorable policy for solar owners.
What solar incentives are available in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does not offer a state solar tax credit, exempts solar from property tax assessments, and exempts solar equipment from sales tax. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025 — it no longer applies to 2026 installations on owned primary residences. The Section 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.
How many peak sun hours does Rhode Island get?
Rhode Island receives an average of 4.3 peak sun hours per day, which is near the national average of 4.7. Peak sun hours directly affect solar production — a 8kW system in Rhode Island produces approximately 10,798 kWh per year.

Related Tools

Quote Comparison Tool

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Solar ROI Calculator

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Incentive Finder

Rhode Island rebates & tax credits.

Rhode Island Solar Payback

Detailed payback analysis by system size.

Rhode Island cost-per-watt data based on 2 ZIP code samples. Production estimates use NREL PVWatts V8 (azimuth 180°, tilt 30°, array_type 1, module_type 1, losses 14%). Utility rate averages from NREL Utility Rate API V3. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.