Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, NJ (2023 Update)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $8,604
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
We go over average solar pricing in Jackson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jackson it's 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Jackson, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,609, or $12,311 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Jackson homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jackson find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,545 |
| 3 years | $-5,426 |
| 5 years | $-3,308 |
| 7 years | $-1,189 |
| 9 years | $929 |
| 11 years | $3,047 |
| 13 years | $5,166 |
| 15 years | $7,284 |
| 17 years | $9,403 |
| 19 years | $11,521 |
| 21 years | $13,639 |
| 23 years | $15,758 |
| 25 years | $17,876 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 $8,609, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 $2,770. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Jackson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Jackson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Jackson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 car 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,266 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,332 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,553 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,928 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,459 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,145 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,987 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,983 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Jackson, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jackson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jackson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority 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 power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.