Best Solar Installers in Rhode Island

Solar panels work best when they receive direct sunlight for most of the day. To determine if your home is a good fit, consider two key factors: the position of your roof and shade. Ideally, panels should face between southeast and southwest for optimal sun exposure. It’s also important that your roof gets minimal shade between 9 AM and 3 PM, when sunlight is strongest.

When you schedule a consultation, our solar experts will perform a comprehensive shade analysis to measure how much sunlight your roof receives and determine whether solar is a smart investment for your home.

The average lifespan of a roof varies based on the materials it’s made from. Generally, asphalt roofs last between 15 and 25 years. If your roof needs to be replaced within the next 5 years, you should hold off on going solar until it’s replaced. This helps avoid the added cost of uninstalling and reinstalling your system later. Wattson Home Solutions can also help you finance a new roof along with your solar installation.

The average residential system size is 5 kW to 6 kW, and you’ll typically need 300 to 400 square feet of roof space to support it. Our team will size your system based on your household’s energy usage and the available space on your roof.

Costs vary depending on the size of your system and any local or federal incentives. Currently, there’s a 26% federal tax credit, plus a Massachusetts tax credit of 15% (up to $1,000). Massachusetts also offers a Solar Loan Program that may provide up to 30% in upfront support, depending on your income.

If you’re installing a ground-mounted system, you may need site prep or landscaping. Rooftop systems may require trimming trees to reduce shade. If your roof has less than 5 years of life remaining, we recommend replacing it first to avoid future reinstallation costs.

Most homeowners see a return on investment within 4 to 7 years.

Your energy bill savings can significantly offset the cost of your system over time. You may also qualify for monthly SMART Tariff payments, which vary based on your system size. Our team can provide a personalized Solar Savings Plan with estimated short- and long-term savings.

Most residential solar installations are completed in just a couple of days. The overall project timeline may vary based on permitting and utility approvals.

Yes! We offer 100% financing (subject to credit approval). Sungage Financial, our preferred partner, provides flexible loan terms with low monthly payments. These loans are for customers who plan to own—not lease—their solar systems. Loan payments begin shortly after your system is activated, and SunGage will guide you through claiming your tax credits.

Yes! As a Home Performance Contractor in Massachusetts, we can help you access state rebates of up to 75% off your project, in addition to federal and state tax credits. Ask us for current incentive details during your consultation.

If the issue is caused by a natural disaster (e.g., a tree falling during a storm), your homeowner’s insurance will cover it. If there’s a defect in the system, Wattson Home Solutions will repair or replace the affected parts under our 20-year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty.

Yes! Battery systems can power your home during outages and allow for limited off-grid functionality. The size of the battery needed depends on your energy usage and system configuration. Both your solar and battery systems will be internet-connected so you can monitor performance via a mobile app.