Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, NC (2023 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $12,393
- 25-Year Savings: $20,175
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
We break down average solar pricing in Jamestown.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Jamestown is 2.54 per watt. The average Jamestown homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,393 with the federal tax credit, or $17,722 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Jamestown homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Jamestown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,090 |
| 3 years | $-8,484 |
| 5 years | $-5,879 |
| 7 years | $-3,274 |
| 9 years | $-668 |
| 11 years | $1,937 |
| 13 years | $4,543 |
| 15 years | $7,148 |
| 17 years | $9,754 |
| 19 years | $12,359 |
| 21 years | $14,964 |
| 23 years | $17,570 |
| 25 years | $20,175 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Jamestown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,540. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Jamestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Jamestown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out 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 renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,936 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,866 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,938 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,152 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,508 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,007 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $54,648 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $61,431 | 8.6 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Jamestown, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jamestown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout 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 consumption and how much 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.