Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, NY (2023 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $9,577
- 25-Year Savings: $4,502
- Payback Period: 17.0 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.
In Jamestown, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Jamestown homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,582 with the federal tax credit, or $13,702 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Jamestown homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jamestown find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Jamestown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,530 |
| 3 years | $-9,436 |
| 5 years | $-9,342 |
| 7 years | $-9,248 |
| 9 years | $-9,154 |
| 11 years | $-9,060 |
| 13 years | $-8,967 |
| 15 years | $-8,873 |
| 17 years | $-8,779 |
| 19 years | $-8,685 |
| 21 years | $-8,591 |
| 23 years | $-8,497 |
| 25 years | $-8,403 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Jamestown:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Jamestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Jamestown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Jamestown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $5,329 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $7,435 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $9,707 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $12,144 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $14,746 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $17,514 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $20,446 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $23,544 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Jamestown, NY 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. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jamestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Does Jamestown have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.