Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, ND (2024 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $43,979
- 25-Year Savings: $35,115
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are 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 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Jamestown is around 17.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $43,979 for a solar installation, or $62,890 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Jamestown for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-42,747 |
| 3 years | $-40,281 |
| 5 years | $-37,816 |
| 7 years | $-35,351 |
| 9 years | $-32,886 |
| 11 years | $-30,421 |
| 13 years | $-27,956 |
| 15 years | $-25,491 |
| 17 years | $-23,025 |
| 19 years | $-20,560 |
| 21 years | $-18,095 |
| 23 years | $-15,630 |
| 25 years | $-13,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Jamestown, we've 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Jamestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jamestown
For many Jamestown homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jamestown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Jamestown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Jamestown, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $6,532 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $9,110 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $11,889 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $14,868 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $18,048 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $21,428 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $25,009 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $28,790 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although 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 make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Jamestown, ND 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. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jamestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jamestown?
Most states have 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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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.