Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, MI (2023 Update)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $12,045
- 25-Year Savings: $22,451
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is 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. The average Jackson homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,038 with the federal tax credit, or $17,214 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Jackson can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Jackson for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,930 |
| 3 years | $-11,700 |
| 5 years | $-11,470 |
| 7 years | $-11,240 |
| 9 years | $-11,010 |
| 11 years | $-10,780 |
| 13 years | $-10,550 |
| 15 years | $-10,320 |
| 17 years | $-10,090 |
| 19 years | $-9,860 |
| 21 years | $-9,630 |
| 23 years | $-9,400 |
| 25 years | $-9,170 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Jackson:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Jackson is $12,038, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Jackson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Jackson, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally 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 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 | $2.92 | $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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Jackson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for 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 sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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.