Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williston, ND (2023 Update)
- Williston Solar Installation Cost: $29,865
- 25-Year Savings: $25,172
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williston
We break down average solar pricing in Williston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Williston typically cost around 2.42. The average solar panel system size in Williston is around 17.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $29,865 for a solar installation, or $42,707 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Williston depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williston find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-28,579 |
| 3 years | $-26,008 |
| 5 years | $-23,437 |
| 7 years | $-20,866 |
| 9 years | $-18,294 |
| 11 years | $-15,723 |
| 13 years | $-13,152 |
| 15 years | $-10,581 |
| 17 years | $-8,010 |
| 19 years | $-5,439 |
| 21 years | $-2,868 |
| 23 years | $-297 |
| 25 years | $2,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Williston
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Williston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Williston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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 $2,420. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Williston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Most solar installers in Williston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Williston, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you 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 part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williston?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Williston?
A solar panel system isn't free in Williston, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.