Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, MI (2023 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $11,665
- 25-Year Savings: $21,140
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
We go over average solar pricing in Jamestown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jamestown, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Jamestown is around 5.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,664 for a solar installation, or $16,680 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Jamestown depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jamestown find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Jamestown for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,555 |
| 3 years | $-11,337 |
| 5 years | $-11,118 |
| 7 years | $-10,899 |
| 9 years | $-10,680 |
| 11 years | $-10,462 |
| 13 years | $-10,243 |
| 15 years | $-10,024 |
| 17 years | $-9,806 |
| 19 years | $-9,587 |
| 21 years | $-9,368 |
| 23 years | $-9,150 |
| 25 years | $-8,931 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Jamestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jamestown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Jamestown: 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
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Jamestown, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,917 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,204 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,648 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,250 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,009 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,925 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,999 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $75,230 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Jamestown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jamestown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jamestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Jamestown is currently $210,977, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,650 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Jamestown is a fruitful investment.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.