Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamston, MI (2024 Update)
- Williamston Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $17,263
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamston
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Williamston.
In Williamston, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Williamston homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,543 with the federal tax credit, or $25,086 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Williamston homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Williamston can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,289 |
| 3 years | $-13,782 |
| 5 years | $-11,274 |
| 7 years | $-8,767 |
| 9 years | $-6,259 |
| 11 years | $-3,752 |
| 13 years | $-1,245 |
| 15 years | $1,263 |
| 17 years | $3,770 |
| 19 years | $6,278 |
| 21 years | $8,785 |
| 23 years | $11,292 |
| 25 years | $13,800 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. 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 looking for a solar company in Williamston, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Williamston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Williamston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Williamston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Williamston, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williamston to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Williamston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Williamston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $10,847 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,918 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,216 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $23,741 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,494 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $33,474 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $38,681 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,116 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Williamston, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Williamston have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.