Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, MA (2023 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $9,295
- 25-Year Savings: $15,637
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Williamstown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Williamstown typically cost around 2.94. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Williamstown, the average price of going solar will be about $9,302 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Williamstown homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,212 |
| 3 years | $-9,046 |
| 5 years | $-8,879 |
| 7 years | $-8,713 |
| 9 years | $-8,547 |
| 11 years | $-8,381 |
| 13 years | $-8,215 |
| 15 years | $-8,048 |
| 17 years | $-7,882 |
| 19 years | $-7,716 |
| 21 years | $-7,550 |
| 23 years | $-7,383 |
| 25 years | $-7,217 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Williamstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamstown
The cost of installing a solar system in Williamstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,940 per kilowatt in Williamstown. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Williamstown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Williamstown, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Williamstown know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $20,278 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,367 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,621 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,039 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,621 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $57,369 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $65,281 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $73,357 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Williamstown, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Williamstown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Williamstown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Williamstown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 account for 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.