Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsburg, KY (2023 Update)

  • Williamsburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,708
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,027
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Williamsburg

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Williamsburg.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Williamsburg is 2.34 per watt. The average Williamsburg homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,708 with the federal tax credit, or $22,462 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Williamsburg based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Williamsburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,159
3 years $-11,060
5 years $-7,961
7 years $-4,863
9 years $-1,764
11 years $1,335
13 years $4,434
15 years $7,533
17 years $10,631
19 years $13,730
21 years $16,829
23 years $19,928
25 years $23,027

Top Solar Installers in Williamsburg

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Williamsburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsburg

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Williamsburg is $15,708, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Williamsburg, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Williamsburg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater 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 discount 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 $2.43 $10,221 $14,012 10.5 years
8 kW $2.39 $13,366 $18,945 10.3 years
10 kW $2.34 $16,380 $24,008 10.1 years
12 kW $2.29 $19,263 $29,203 9.9 years
14 kW $2.25 $22,015 $34,529 9.7 years
16 kW $2.20 $24,636 $39,986 9.5 years
18 kW $2.15 $27,125 $45,574 9.3 years
20 kW $2.11 $29,484 $51,293 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Williamsburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to 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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Williamsburg, KY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Williamsburg?

A solar panel system isn't free in Williamsburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $807.77 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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