Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williston, ND (2023 Update)
- Williston Solar Installation Cost: $29,865
- 25-Year Savings: $25,171
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williston
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Williston.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Williston generally cost about 2.42. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Williston, most homeowners require a 17.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $29,865, or $42,707 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Williston homeowner can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Williston that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Williston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-27,664 |
| 3 years | $-23,261 |
| 5 years | $-18,858 |
| 7 years | $-14,455 |
| 9 years | $-10,052 |
| 11 years | $-5,649 |
| 13 years | $-1,246 |
| 15 years | $3,157 |
| 17 years | $7,559 |
| 19 years | $11,962 |
| 21 years | $16,365 |
| 23 years | $20,768 |
| 25 years | $25,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Williston
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Williston, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Williston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williston
Although the average cost of a solar system in Williston is $29,865, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,420. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Williston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.52 | $10,571 | $8,160 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.47 | $13,823 | $11,151 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.42 | $16,940 | $14,278 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.37 | $19,921 | $17,540 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.32 | $22,767 | $20,938 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.27 | $25,478 | $24,471 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.23 | $28,053 | $28,140 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.18 | $30,492 | $31,944 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Williston, ND Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williston?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,100 for a 5-kW system and $24,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $624.36 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.