Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, MI (2024 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $16,647
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Williamstown.
In Williamstown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Williamstown, the average price of going solar will be about $17,543 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Williamstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,289 |
| 3 years | $-13,782 |
| 5 years | $-11,274 |
| 7 years | $-8,767 |
| 9 years | $-6,259 |
| 11 years | $-3,752 |
| 13 years | $-1,245 |
| 15 years | $1,263 |
| 17 years | $3,770 |
| 19 years | $6,278 |
| 21 years | $8,785 |
| 23 years | $11,292 |
| 25 years | $13,800 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Williamstown:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Williamstown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 $4,060.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Williamstown, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Williamstown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Williamstown, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $10,249 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,120 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $18,218 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $22,544 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $27,097 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $31,878 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $36,885 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $42,120 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Williamstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Williamstown is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Williamstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Williamstown?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.