Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, MI (2024 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
- 25-Year Savings: $21,140
- Payback Period: 12.8 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
We break down average solar pricing 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 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Jamestown is around 5.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,853 for a solar installation, or $24,100 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Jamestown based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jamestown find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,600 |
| 3 years | $-13,092 |
| 5 years | $-10,585 |
| 7 years | $-8,078 |
| 9 years | $-5,570 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-555 |
| 15 years | $1,952 |
| 17 years | $4,459 |
| 19 years | $6,967 |
| 21 years | $9,474 |
| 23 years | $11,982 |
| 25 years | $14,489 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Jamestown, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Jamestown, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Jamestown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Jamestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Jamestown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jamestown is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,457 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,064 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,898 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,960 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,249 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,765 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,509 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,480 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jamestown?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Jamestown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Jamestown. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.