Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, RI (2023 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $7,819
- 25-Year Savings: $14,128
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jamestown
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Jamestown.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Jamestown is 2.84 per watt. Since a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Jamestown, the average price of going solar will be about $7,813 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Jamestown depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Jamestown homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jamestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,288 |
| 3 years | $-3,226 |
| 5 years | $-164 |
| 7 years | $2,898 |
| 9 years | $5,960 |
| 11 years | $9,023 |
| 13 years | $12,085 |
| 15 years | $15,147 |
| 17 years | $18,209 |
| 19 years | $21,271 |
| 21 years | $24,333 |
| 23 years | $27,395 |
| 25 years | $30,457 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Jamestown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Jamestown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Jamestown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 prices because of access to greater resources and better 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 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $21,076 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $28,419 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $35,921 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $43,583 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $51,403 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $59,383 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $67,521 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $75,819 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Jamestown, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jamestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Jamestown is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Jamestown?
Solar panels aren't free in Jamestown, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Jamestown have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.