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#15 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island averages 1,220 kWh per installed kW per year. At $26.8¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $24,104.

$14,700
System Cost (After Credits)
$24,104
25-Year NPV
7 years
Payback Period
$0.177/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Rhode Island

7 kW system (3.00/W)$21,000
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,300
Net Cost$14,700

Solar Production in Rhode Island

Rhode Island receives an average of 1,220 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 8,540 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Rhode Island's average residential rate of $26.8¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $2,289. The solar LCOE of $0.177/kWh is 34% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Rhode Island

RE Growth program with fixed incentive payments for 20 years. NEM available.

Solar by Utility in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Energy

Avg Rate: $26.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Rhode Island

How much does solar cost in Rhode Island?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Rhode Island costs $21,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $14,700.
What is the solar payback period in Rhode Island?
Based on the average RI utility rate of $26.8¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,220 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 7 years. The 25-year NPV is $24,104.
Does Rhode Island have net metering?
RE Growth program with fixed incentive payments for 20 years. NEM available.
What is the LCOE of solar in Rhode Island?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Rhode Island is approximately $0.177/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $26.8¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs 34% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island receives approximately 1,220 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 8,540 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 81% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Connecticut

NPV: $24,321 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $27.2¢/kWh · #7 ranked

New Jersey

NPV: $12,340 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $18.2¢/kWh · #8 ranked

New Mexico

NPV: $15,834 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $13.8¢/kWh · #9 ranked

Florida

NPV: $10,982 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #10 ranked

Maine

NPV: $20,868 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $24.8¢/kWh · #11 ranked

Colorado

NPV: $11,378 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #12 ranked

Get Your Rhode Island Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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