Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsville, NY (2023 Update)

  • Williamsville Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,046
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsville

We go over average solar pricing in Williamsville.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williamsville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. The average Williamsville homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,458 with the federal tax credit, or $13,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Williamsville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Williamsville for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Williamsville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,838
3 years $-7,597
5 years $-6,357
7 years $-5,117
9 years $-3,876
11 years $-2,636
13 years $-1,396
15 years $-156
17 years $1,085
19 years $2,325
21 years $3,565
23 years $4,806
25 years $6,046

Top Solar Installers in Williamsville

Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Williamsville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsville

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Williamsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of 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 electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Williamsville average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Williamsville 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 remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Williamsville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 $3.07 $12,886 $7,435 15.9 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $10,244 15.5 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $13,218 15.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $16,357 14.9 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $19,661 14.6 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $23,130 14.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $26,765 14.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $30,565 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Williamsville, 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Williamsville, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamsville?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Williamsville?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Williamsville is currently $225,200, so you can expect a value of about $9,233 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Williamsville is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.

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