Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, IL (Mar 2023)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $11,906
- 25-Year Savings: $17,920
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Jacksonville.
In Jacksonville, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Jacksonville, the average price of going solar will be about $11,906 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Jacksonville can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 | $-10,713 |
| 3 years | $-8,326 |
| 5 years | $-5,940 |
| 7 years | $-3,554 |
| 9 years | $-1,168 |
| 11 years | $1,218 |
| 13 years | $3,604 |
| 15 years | $5,990 |
| 17 years | $8,376 |
| 19 years | $10,762 |
| 21 years | $13,148 |
| 23 years | $15,534 |
| 25 years | $17,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
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. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 affect your solar panel 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Jacksonville. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jacksonville to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $16,792 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $22,695 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $28,751 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $34,960 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $41,321 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $47,836 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $54,504 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $61,324 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jacksonville?
The average cost of solar panels in Jacksonville is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Jacksonville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Jacksonville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty 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 needs and the average daily 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 get 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.