Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, NY (Mar 2023)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $4,497
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Jamestown.
In Jamestown, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Jamestown, the average price of going solar will be about $9,582 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
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. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Jamestown homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
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 | $-9,018 |
| 3 years | $-7,892 |
| 5 years | $-6,766 |
| 7 years | $-5,640 |
| 9 years | $-4,513 |
| 11 years | $-3,387 |
| 13 years | $-2,261 |
| 15 years | $-1,134 |
| 17 years | $-8 |
| 19 years | $1,118 |
| 21 years | $2,244 |
| 23 years | $3,371 |
| 25 years | $4,497 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jamestown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jamestown is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jamestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Jamestown is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jamestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jamestown?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 the average daily 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 account for 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.