Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, AL (2024 Update)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $21,269
- 25-Year Savings: $33,104
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Jackson.
In Jackson, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Jackson is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,269 for a solar installation, or $30,415 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Jackson depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jackson find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Jackson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,422 |
| 3 years | $-15,727 |
| 5 years | $-12,031 |
| 7 years | $-8,336 |
| 9 years | $-4,641 |
| 11 years | $-946 |
| 13 years | $2,749 |
| 15 years | $6,444 |
| 17 years | $10,139 |
| 19 years | $13,835 |
| 21 years | $17,530 |
| 23 years | $21,225 |
| 25 years | $24,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Jackson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jackson
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt in Jackson.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Jackson average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Jackson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $17,859 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,203 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,743 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,478 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,408 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,534 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $58,855 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,372 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Jackson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Jackson, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jackson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jackson is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jackson?
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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce 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.