Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, FL (2023 Update)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $9,847
- 25-Year Savings: $20,137
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Jacksonville.
In Jacksonville, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $9,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Jacksonville based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Jacksonville homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power 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 Jacksonville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jacksonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,647 |
| 3 years | $-6,249 |
| 5 years | $-3,850 |
| 7 years | $-1,451 |
| 9 years | $947 |
| 11 years | $3,346 |
| 13 years | $5,745 |
| 15 years | $8,143 |
| 17 years | $10,542 |
| 19 years | $12,941 |
| 21 years | $15,339 |
| 23 years | $17,738 |
| 25 years | $20,137 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Jacksonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jacksonville
For many Jacksonville homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jacksonville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,530. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Jacksonville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Jacksonville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,316 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,704 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,235 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $43,907 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,720 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,676 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $67,773 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,011 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Jacksonville, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jacksonville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 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 higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Jacksonville?
Solar panels aren't free in Jacksonville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.