Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, CA (2024 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $7,331
- 25-Year Savings: $20,509
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Jamestown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jamestown, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Jamestown, the average price of going solar will be about $7,331 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Jamestown can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Jamestown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,793 |
| 3 years | $-2,717 |
| 5 years | $359 |
| 7 years | $3,435 |
| 9 years | $6,511 |
| 11 years | $9,586 |
| 13 years | $12,662 |
| 15 years | $15,738 |
| 17 years | $18,814 |
| 19 years | $21,890 |
| 21 years | $24,965 |
| 23 years | $28,041 |
| 25 years | $31,117 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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
See all of the solar companies in Jamestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jamestown
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
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 Jamestown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Jamestown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $37,083 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,833 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,777 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,916 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,249 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $102,776 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $116,497 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $130,413 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-running 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.
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 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
EcoWatch's Jamestown, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jamestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Jamestown is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jamestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Jamestown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Jamestown?
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 larger 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.