Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, NC (2023 Update)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $11,824
- 25-Year Savings: $19,923
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
We go over average solar pricing in Jacksonville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jacksonville, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,824 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Jacksonville homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Jacksonville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jacksonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,554 |
| 3 years | $-8,014 |
| 5 years | $-5,474 |
| 7 years | $-2,935 |
| 9 years | $-395 |
| 11 years | $2,145 |
| 13 years | $4,685 |
| 15 years | $7,224 |
| 17 years | $9,764 |
| 19 years | $12,304 |
| 21 years | $14,844 |
| 23 years | $17,383 |
| 25 years | $19,923 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Jacksonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jacksonville
The cost of installing a solar system in Jacksonville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Jacksonville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Jacksonville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jacksonville is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. 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 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,555 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,692 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,970 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,391 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,954 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,659 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $56,507 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $63,497 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Jacksonville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jacksonville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.