Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jamestown, ND (2024 Update)
- Jamestown Solar Installation Cost: $43,979
- 25-Year Savings: $35,115
- Payback Period: 17.0 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 panels are in Jamestown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jamestown, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Jamestown homeowner needs a 17.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $43,979 with the federal tax credit, or $62,890 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Jamestown based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Jamestown homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
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 | $-42,747 |
| 3 years | $-40,281 |
| 5 years | $-37,816 |
| 7 years | $-35,351 |
| 9 years | $-32,886 |
| 11 years | $-30,421 |
| 13 years | $-27,956 |
| 15 years | $-25,491 |
| 17 years | $-23,025 |
| 19 years | $-20,560 |
| 21 years | $-18,095 |
| 23 years | $-15,630 |
| 25 years | $-13,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Jamestown
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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
For many Jamestown homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jamestown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,580. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Jamestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to 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 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $6,532 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $9,110 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $11,889 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $14,868 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $18,048 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $21,428 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $25,009 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $28,790 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 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, ND Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jamestown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jamestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jamestown?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
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 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 home 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.