Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williams, MI (2023 Update)
- Williams Solar Installation Cost: $12,108
- 25-Year Savings: $23,196
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williams
See how much it might cost to go solar in Williams.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Williams is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,117 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Williams homeowner. 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. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Williams homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williams
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,991 |
| 3 years | $-11,755 |
| 5 years | $-11,520 |
| 7 years | $-11,285 |
| 9 years | $-11,049 |
| 11 years | $-10,814 |
| 13 years | $-10,579 |
| 15 years | $-10,343 |
| 17 years | $-10,108 |
| 19 years | $-9,873 |
| 21 years | $-9,637 |
| 23 years | $-9,402 |
| 25 years | $-9,166 |
Top Solar Installers in Williams
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Williams:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Williams
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williams
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Williams. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Williams, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Williams, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Williams, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $22,136 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,830 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,681 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,689 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,855 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $62,178 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $70,658 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $79,296 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Williams, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williams?
The average cost of solar panels in Williams is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 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, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 $150,581, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,174 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.