Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamson, AZ (2023 Update)

  • Williamson Solar Installation Cost: $9,665
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,051
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamson

We go over average solar pricing in Williamson.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williamson, the average cost of a solar system is 2.61 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $9,665 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Williamson homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Williamson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Williamson

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,356
3 years $-5,739
5 years $-3,122
7 years $-504
9 years $2,113
11 years $4,730
13 years $7,347
15 years $9,965
17 years $12,582
19 years $15,199
21 years $17,817
23 years $20,434
25 years $23,051

Top Solar Installers in Williamson

Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Williamson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamson

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Williamson is $9,665, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Williamson, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Williamson, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.71 $11,400 $25,713 7.7 years
8 kW $2.66 $14,908 $34,576 7.5 years
10 kW $2.61 $18,270 $43,585 7.4 years
12 kW $2.56 $21,486 $52,740 7.2 years
14 kW $2.51 $24,555 $62,042 7.1 years
16 kW $2.45 $27,478 $71,490 6.9 years
18 kW $2.40 $30,255 $81,084 6.8 years
20 kW $2.35 $32,886 $90,824 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Williamson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Williamson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamson?

The average cost of solar panels in Williamson is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Williamson?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Williamson is currently $321,545, which means you could be looking at a value of about $13,183 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Williamson is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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