Solar Panel Cost Guide in James City, NC (2024 Update)
- James City Solar Installation Cost: $16,781
- 25-Year Savings: $20,026
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in James City
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in James City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in James City is 4 per watt.The average James City homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,781 with the federal tax credit, or $23,997 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in James City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,310 |
| 3 years | $-12,368 |
| 5 years | $-9,426 |
| 7 years | $-6,484 |
| 9 years | $-3,542 |
| 11 years | $-599 |
| 13 years | $2,343 |
| 15 years | $5,285 |
| 17 years | $8,227 |
| 19 years | $11,169 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,054 |
| 25 years | $19,996 |
Top Solar Installers in James City
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in James City:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in James City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in James City
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the James City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in James City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout James City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,928 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,631 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,530 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,626 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,918 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,407 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,092 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,974 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's James City, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in James City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in James City?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in James City?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in James City?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.