Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, MN (Mar 2023)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $14,035
- 25-Year Savings: $18,577
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
We break down average solar pricing in Jackson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jackson it's 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $14,035 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Jackson homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Jackson homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Jackson for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,731 |
| 3 years | $-10,122 |
| 5 years | $-7,513 |
| 7 years | $-4,904 |
| 9 years | $-2,295 |
| 11 years | $314 |
| 13 years | $2,923 |
| 15 years | $5,532 |
| 17 years | $8,141 |
| 19 years | $10,750 |
| 21 years | $13,359 |
| 23 years | $15,968 |
| 25 years | $18,577 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Jackson:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Jackson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jackson
Though the average cost of a solar system in Jackson is $14,035, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Jackson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jackson to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Jackson homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Jackson know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,323 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $20,748 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $26,333 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $32,077 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $37,980 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $44,042 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $50,262 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $56,642 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Jackson, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jackson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jackson is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly 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 power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $924.26 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.