Solar Panel Cost in Rhode Island (2026)
Installed solar in Rhode Island runs about $3.05 per watt — roughly 18% above the national average of $2.58/W. With the federal residential tax credit (25D) gone as of 2026, payback here rests on a $0.28/kWh power price and 4.2 daily peak sun hours.
Worked example: a typical $150/month home in Rhode Island
A $150/month electric bill in Rhode Island works out to about 6,429 kWh a year. Sizing a cash-purchase system to cover 100% of that:
System size
5.6 kW
Panels
14
Annual offset
107%
Gross cost
$19,580
Federal credit (25D)
$0
Expired 12/31/2025 — $0
State incentive
$0
Net cost
$19,580
Payback
9.0 yr
25-year savings
$50,370
Last updated June 30, 2026
Rhode Island solar numbers
- Installed price
- $3.05 / watt
- Electricity price
- $0.28 / kWh
- Peak sun hours
- 4.2 hrs/day
- State incentive
- 0%
- Net-metering value
- 100% of retail
Local context: Expensive power and net metering make Rhode Island solar attractive despite its modest sun.
Estimate your own Rhode Island system
Adjust the bill, ownership, and battery options below — it's pre-set to Rhode Island's pricing and sun hours.
Estimated system cost
$22,342–$29,018
7.6 kW19 panels
Low $22kMost likely ~$25,680High $29k
Federal tax credit
— expired Dec 2025, we won't pretend otherwise
$0
State & utility incentives
$0
Est. annual savings
$2,610
Payback period
~8.8 yr
Net cost
$22k–$29k
25-year net savings
+$69,252
iA ballpark estimate for planning — not a final quote.
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