Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, NY (2024 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $11,849
- 25-Year Savings: $4,502
- Payback Period: 21.0 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
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Jamestown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jamestown it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Jamestown, the average price of going solar will be about $11,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company 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 | $-10,940 |
| 3 years | $-9,123 |
| 5 years | $-7,306 |
| 7 years | $-5,489 |
| 9 years | $-3,672 |
| 11 years | $-1,855 |
| 13 years | $-38 |
| 15 years | $1,780 |
| 17 years | $3,597 |
| 19 years | $5,414 |
| 21 years | $7,231 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $10,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 key factors that determine your overall cost 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jamestown to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Jamestown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Jamestown, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Jamestown know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $2,271 | 21.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $3,437 | 21.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $4,807 | 21.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $6,382 | 20.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $8,161 | 20.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $10,144 | 19.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $12,332 | 19.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $14,724 | 18.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Jamestown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jamestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Jamestown is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Jamestown?
Solar panels aren’t free in Jamestown, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $607.14 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.