Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, MI (2023 Update)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $22,458
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
We break down average solar pricing in Jackson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jackson, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,038 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Jackson homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Jackson homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Jackson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,658 |
| 3 years | $-7,898 |
| 5 years | $-5,139 |
| 7 years | $-2,379 |
| 9 years | $381 |
| 11 years | $3,140 |
| 13 years | $5,900 |
| 15 years | $8,660 |
| 17 years | $11,420 |
| 19 years | $14,179 |
| 21 years | $16,939 |
| 23 years | $19,699 |
| 25 years | $22,458 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Jackson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jackson
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Jackson have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jackson is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,526 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,016 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,664 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,469 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,431 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,550 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $68,827 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,261 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Jackson, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jackson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jackson is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jackson?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.