Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, AL (2024 Update)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $22,478
- 25-Year Savings: $35,740
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Jacksonville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jacksonville generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Jacksonville, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $22,478, or $32,144 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Jacksonville homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Jacksonville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jacksonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,630 |
| 3 years | $-16,935 |
| 5 years | $-13,240 |
| 7 years | $-9,545 |
| 9 years | $-5,850 |
| 11 years | $-2,154 |
| 13 years | $1,541 |
| 15 years | $5,236 |
| 17 years | $8,931 |
| 19 years | $12,626 |
| 21 years | $16,321 |
| 23 years | $20,016 |
| 25 years | $23,712 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Jacksonville, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Jacksonville:
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 Jacksonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jacksonville
There are a number of factors that can influence your 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 affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Jacksonville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Jacksonville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $18,352 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,860 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,564 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,463 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,558 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,848 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,333 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,014 | 9.8 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Jacksonville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jacksonville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Jacksonville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Jacksonville, 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.
Is it worth going solar in Jacksonville?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.