Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, AL (2023 Update)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $15,780
- 25-Year Savings: $35,740
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Jacksonville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jacksonville, the average cost of a solar system 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jacksonville find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Jacksonville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jacksonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,932 |
| 3 years | $-10,237 |
| 5 years | $-6,542 |
| 7 years | $-2,847 |
| 9 years | $849 |
| 11 years | $4,544 |
| 13 years | $8,239 |
| 15 years | $11,934 |
| 17 years | $15,629 |
| 19 years | $19,324 |
| 21 years | $23,020 |
| 23 years | $26,715 |
| 25 years | $30,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 criteria that can influence 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
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 about $2,450 per kilowatt in Jacksonville. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Jacksonville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Jacksonville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Jacksonville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 additional 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it 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
How much does it cost to install 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,119.88 per year.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.