Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, AL (Mar 2023)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $15,778
- 25-Year Savings: $35,742
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Jacksonville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jacksonville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.45 per watt. The average Jacksonville homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,778 with the federal tax credit, or $22,563 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Jacksonville homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Jacksonville homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Jacksonville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jacksonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,717 |
| 3 years | $-9,596 |
| 5 years | $-5,474 |
| 7 years | $-1,352 |
| 9 years | $2,769 |
| 11 years | $6,891 |
| 13 years | $11,012 |
| 15 years | $15,134 |
| 17 years | $19,256 |
| 19 years | $23,377 |
| 21 years | $27,499 |
| 23 years | $31,620 |
| 25 years | $35,742 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Jacksonville is $15,778, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Jacksonville. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Jacksonville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Jacksonville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,895 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,801 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,844 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,025 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,342 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,797 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,389 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,118 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Jacksonville is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Jacksonville is currently $143,700, so you can expect a value of about $5,892 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Jacksonville is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Jacksonville?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.