Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, VT (2024 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $15,051
- 25-Year Savings: $24,867
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Williamstown.
The average cost of solar panels in Williamstown is 4 per watt.The average Williamstown homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,051 with the federal tax credit, or $21,523 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going 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 $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamstown find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Williamstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,690 |
| 3 years | $-10,968 |
| 5 years | $-8,247 |
| 7 years | $-5,525 |
| 9 years | $-2,803 |
| 11 years | $-81 |
| 13 years | $2,640 |
| 15 years | $5,362 |
| 17 years | $8,084 |
| 19 years | $10,806 |
| 21 years | $13,528 |
| 23 years | $16,249 |
| 25 years | $18,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of 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.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Williamstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,850. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williamstown to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Williamstown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.00 | $16,817 | $21,953 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $29,701 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $37,666 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $45,846 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $54,241 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $62,852 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $71,679 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $80,722 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover 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 quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Williamstown?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Williamstown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Williamstown?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.