Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamston, NC (2023 Update)
- Williamston Solar Installation Cost: $12,464
- 25-Year Savings: $23,102
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamston
We break down average solar pricing in Williamston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Williamston it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Williamston is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,464 for a solar installation, or $17,824 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Williamston can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,041 |
| 3 years | $-8,196 |
| 5 years | $-5,351 |
| 7 years | $-2,505 |
| 9 years | $340 |
| 11 years | $3,185 |
| 13 years | $6,031 |
| 15 years | $8,876 |
| 17 years | $11,721 |
| 19 years | $14,567 |
| 21 years | $17,412 |
| 23 years | $20,257 |
| 25 years | $23,102 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Williamston:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Williamston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamston
Though the average cost of a solar system in Williamston is $12,464, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,540. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Williamston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williamston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Williamston, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $19,349 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $26,083 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $32,960 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $39,979 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $47,139 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $54,443 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $61,888 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $69,476 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Williamston, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- 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 you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Williamston, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Williamston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Williamston?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.