Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, NJ (2023 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $9,012
- 25-Year Savings: $13,749
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
We break down average solar pricing in Williamstown.
The average cost of solar panels in Williamstown is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Williamstown is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,016 for a solar installation, or $12,893 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamstown find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-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 | $-8,936 |
| 3 years | $-8,785 |
| 5 years | $-8,633 |
| 7 years | $-8,481 |
| 9 years | $-8,329 |
| 11 years | $-8,178 |
| 13 years | $-8,026 |
| 15 years | $-7,874 |
| 17 years | $-7,722 |
| 19 years | $-7,571 |
| 21 years | $-7,419 |
| 23 years | $-7,267 |
| 25 years | $-7,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Williamstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamstown
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Williamstown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Williamstown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Williamstown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Williamstown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $17,283 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,354 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,580 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $35,961 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $42,498 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $49,190 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $56,036 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $63,038 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Williamstown, NJ 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 variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $979.40 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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.