Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, MA (Mar 2023)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $9,302
- 25-Year Savings: $15,629
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Williamstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Williamstown it's 2.94 per watt. The average Williamstown homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,302 with the federal tax credit, or $13,302 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Williamstown homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamstown find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Williamstown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Williamstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,305 |
| 3 years | $-6,310 |
| 5 years | $-4,316 |
| 7 years | $-2,321 |
| 9 years | $-327 |
| 11 years | $1,668 |
| 13 years | $3,662 |
| 15 years | $5,657 |
| 17 years | $7,651 |
| 19 years | $9,646 |
| 21 years | $11,640 |
| 23 years | $13,635 |
| 25 years | $15,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Williamstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamstown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Williamstown is $9,302, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,940. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect 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 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to 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 can only 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 solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Williamstown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 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 | $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
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 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.