Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamstown, MA (2024 Update)
- Williamstown Solar Installation Cost: $12,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,637
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamstown
We break down average solar pricing in Williamstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williamstown, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Williamstown is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,836 for a solar installation, or $18,355 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Williamstown homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,113 |
| 3 years | $-7,666 |
| 5 years | $-4,219 |
| 7 years | $-772 |
| 9 years | $2,675 |
| 11 years | $6,122 |
| 13 years | $9,569 |
| 15 years | $13,016 |
| 17 years | $16,462 |
| 19 years | $19,909 |
| 21 years | $23,356 |
| 23 years | $26,803 |
| 25 years | $30,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamstown
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Williamstown, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Williamstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamstown
For many Williamstown homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system 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 significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Williamstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williamstown to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Williamstown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,386 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,970 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,781 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,819 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,084 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,577 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,297 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,245 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Williamstown, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Williamstown is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Williamstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Williamstown have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher level 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.