Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, VT (2023 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,220
- 25-Year Savings: $24,867
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Williamstown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Williamstown typically cost about 2.87. The average solar panel system size in Williamstown is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,210 for a solar installation, or $16,030 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Williamstown homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,859 |
| 3 years | $-7,137 |
| 5 years | $-4,415 |
| 7 years | $-1,694 |
| 9 years | $1,028 |
| 11 years | $3,750 |
| 13 years | $6,472 |
| 15 years | $9,193 |
| 17 years | $11,915 |
| 19 years | $14,637 |
| 21 years | $17,359 |
| 23 years | $20,080 |
| 25 years | $22,802 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Williamstown, we've put together 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 Williamstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamstown
For many Williamstown homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Williamstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,870 per kilowatt in Williamstown. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Williamstown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Williamstown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Williamstown is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Williamstown know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.98 | $12,536 | $26,233 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $35,299 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $44,526 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $53,913 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $63,461 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $73,170 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $83,039 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $93,070 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Williamstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Williamstown, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamstown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power 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 $1,292.32 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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.