Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williams, CA (2023 Update)
- Williams Solar Installation Cost: $5,887
- 25-Year Savings: $20,444
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williams
We break down average solar pricing in Williams.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williams, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Williams homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,886 with the federal tax credit, or $8,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Williams 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 savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Williams for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Williams
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,800 |
| 3 years | $-5,624 |
| 5 years | $-5,449 |
| 7 years | $-5,273 |
| 9 years | $-5,098 |
| 11 years | $-4,922 |
| 13 years | $-4,746 |
| 15 years | $-4,571 |
| 17 years | $-4,395 |
| 19 years | $-4,220 |
| 21 years | $-4,044 |
| 23 years | $-3,869 |
| 25 years | $-3,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Williams
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Williams:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Williams
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williams
The cost of installing a solar system in Williams can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Williams provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Williams, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,355 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,780 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,357 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,087 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,970 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,005 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,194 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,535 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Williams, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williams?
The average cost of solar panels in Williams is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Williams?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Williams?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.