Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, MI (2023 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $12,142
- 25-Year Savings: $16,647
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Williamstown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Williamstown generally cost about 2.81. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Williamstown, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,136, or $17,354 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamstown find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a 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 | $-10,888 |
| 3 years | $-8,381 |
| 5 years | $-5,873 |
| 7 years | $-3,366 |
| 9 years | $-858 |
| 11 years | $1,649 |
| 13 years | $4,156 |
| 15 years | $6,664 |
| 17 years | $9,171 |
| 19 years | $11,679 |
| 21 years | $14,186 |
| 23 years | $16,693 |
| 25 years | $19,201 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar company in Williamstown, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Williamstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamstown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Williamstown is $12,136, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Williamstown, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williamstown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,709 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,260 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,968 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,834 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $38,857 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $45,038 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $51,375 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $57,870 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Williamstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Williamstown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Williamstown?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 cover 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.