Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamston, MI (2023 Update)
- Williamston Solar Installation Cost: $12,136
- 25-Year Savings: $17,268
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamston
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Williamston.
The average cost of a solar system in Williamston is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,136 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Williamston based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Williamston homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Williamston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,960 |
| 3 years | $-8,608 |
| 5 years | $-6,256 |
| 7 years | $-3,903 |
| 9 years | $-1,551 |
| 11 years | $801 |
| 13 years | $3,154 |
| 15 years | $5,506 |
| 17 years | $7,858 |
| 19 years | $10,211 |
| 21 years | $12,563 |
| 23 years | $14,916 |
| 25 years | $17,268 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamston
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 near you:
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 Williamston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamston
For many Williamston homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Williamston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Williamston, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $16,307 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $22,058 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $27,966 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $34,031 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $40,254 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $46,634 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $53,171 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $59,866 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Williamston, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $952.72 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Williamston?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.