The Best Home Solar in Wakefield, RI

Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wakefield, Rhode Island. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.

#1

Newport Solar

4.8
(150 reviews)
Verified

A premier, locally-owned and operated solar installer serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. They are highly regarded for their custom system designs, exceptional customer service, and deep knowledge of state-specific incentives like the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program.

2949E Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 (Primary office, serves Wakefield directly)

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Battery storage system installation
Solar financing and leasing options

Business Information

Years in Business:12 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

SunPower by Empower Energy

4.7
(200 reviews)
Verified

As a SunPower Master Dealer, this company offers some of the industry's highest-efficiency solar panels and robust warranties. They are a strong regional player with extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects throughout New England, providing a premium, full-service solution.

100 Baybrook St, Portland, CT 06480 (CT headquarters, actively serves all of RI including Wakefield)

Specialties & Features

High-efficiency solar panel installation
Manufacturer partnerships and warranties
Energy efficiency assessments

Business Information

Years in Business:15 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Sol Power of Rhode Island

4.9
(80 reviews)
Verified

A boutique, highly-rated local installer known for personalized service and expertise in complex installations, including off-grid and battery-backup systems. They focus on quality over quantity and have built an outstanding reputation for technical proficiency and customer satisfaction.

10 High Street, Ste 2, Westerly, RI 02891 (Serves the entire South County coast, including Wakefield)

Specialties & Features

Grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions
Solar panel maintenance and repair
Custom system design and consultation

Business Information

Years in Business:8 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Wakefield

** The home solar market in Wakefield, RI, is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of dedicated local installers and established regional companies. The overall quality of service is high, as the market demands expertise with Rhode Island's specific incentive structures, particularly the state's Renewable Energy Growth Program (tariff-based) and net metering policies. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in this market is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.80 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and any state-level incentives. This translates to a typical gross cost of $21,000 - $38,000 for a 7-10 kW system, with financing and leasing options widely available to reduce upfront costs. The coastal location also makes companies offering maintenance and cleaning services a valuable resource for homeowners.

High Ratings

4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews

Fully Licensed

All contractors are properly licensed and insured

Proven Experience

10+ years average experience in the industry

Local Experts

Familiar with Wakefield regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Wakefield

Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

1What is the average cost of a home solar system in Wakefield, RI, and are there any state-specific incentives?

For a typical 6-8 kW system in Wakefield, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Rhode Island offers excellent incentives, including the state's Renewable Energy Fund (REF) grant, which can provide a significant upfront rebate, and a sales tax exemption. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost is substantially lower, often cutting the initial price by 40-50%.

2How does Wakefield's coastal climate and seasonal weather affect solar panel production?

Wakefield's coastal location provides ample sunlight for strong production, especially in summer. While winter brings shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather. The primary seasonal consideration is nor'easters; ensuring your system is installed to withstand high winds and that you have a plan for safely clearing heavy, wet snow is important for year-round performance.

3What local permits and regulations do I need to navigate for a solar installation in Wakefield?

All installations in South Kingstown (which includes Wakefield) require a building permit and an electrical permit from the town's Building Official. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Crucially, you must also comply with Rhode Island's specific interconnection rules with National Grid to connect to the grid and participate in net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back.

4How do I choose a reputable solar provider in the South County area?

Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience in Washington County. Check their certification (like NABCEP) and reviews on platforms like Google and EnergySage. Ask for references from recent Wakefield installations and verify they are familiar with National Grid's interconnection portal and the Rhode Island REF grant application process, as this local expertise is invaluable.

5With National Grid as our utility, how does net metering work and what happens during a power outage?

Under Rhode Island net metering, National Grid credits you at the full retail rate for every kilowatt-hour your system exports to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. Your annual "true-up" is in April. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have backup power in Wakefield, you must install a dedicated solar battery system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar, which is an additional but valuable investment for storm resilience.