Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, CA (2023 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $5,771
- 25-Year Savings: $20,505
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Jamestown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jamestown, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Jamestown, the average price of going solar will be about $5,771 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Jamestown can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,720 |
| 3 years | $-2,618 |
| 5 years | $-516 |
| 7 years | $1,586 |
| 9 years | $3,688 |
| 11 years | $5,790 |
| 13 years | $7,893 |
| 15 years | $9,995 |
| 17 years | $12,097 |
| 19 years | $14,199 |
| 21 years | $16,301 |
| 23 years | $18,403 |
| 25 years | $20,505 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Jamestown:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Jamestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jamestown
The cost of installing a solar system in Jamestown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 greater efficiency or power production use 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 $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Jamestown, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Jamestown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Jamestown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Jamestown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,316 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,060 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,957 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,007 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,210 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,566 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,075 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,737 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Jamestown, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jamestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Jamestown is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jamestown?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.