Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williams, CA (2024 Update)
- Williams Solar Installation Cost: $7,483
- 25-Year Savings: $20,444
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williams
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Williams.
In Williams, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,483 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Williams based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Williams can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Williams for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Williams
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,945 |
| 3 years | $-2,870 |
| 5 years | $206 |
| 7 years | $3,282 |
| 9 years | $6,358 |
| 11 years | $9,434 |
| 13 years | $12,509 |
| 15 years | $15,585 |
| 17 years | $18,661 |
| 19 years | $21,737 |
| 21 years | $24,813 |
| 23 years | $27,888 |
| 25 years | $30,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Williams
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Williams
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williams
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Williams: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Williams.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williams to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Williams, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,123 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,553 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,177 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,995 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,008 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,215 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,616 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,211 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Williams, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Williams, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williams?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Williams?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Williams. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Williams is currently $365,772, so you can expect a value of about $14,997 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Williams is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Williams?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.