Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jacksonville, NC (2024 Update)
- Jacksonville Solar Installation Cost: $16,335
- 25-Year Savings: $19,926
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jacksonville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Jacksonville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Jacksonville is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Jacksonville, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,335, or $23,359 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Jacksonville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jacksonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,864 |
| 3 years | $-11,922 |
| 5 years | $-8,980 |
| 7 years | $-6,038 |
| 9 years | $-3,095 |
| 11 years | $-153 |
| 13 years | $2,789 |
| 15 years | $5,731 |
| 17 years | $8,673 |
| 19 years | $11,616 |
| 21 years | $14,558 |
| 23 years | $17,500 |
| 25 years | $20,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Jacksonville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Jacksonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jacksonville
For many Jacksonville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jacksonville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,510.There are several 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. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
Most solar installers in Jacksonville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Jacksonville is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $13,319 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $18,151 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $23,180 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $28,406 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $33,828 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $39,447 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $45,263 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $51,275 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Jacksonville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.