Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, WI (2023 Update)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $13,068
- 25-Year Savings: $27,705
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Jackson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jackson it's 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Jackson, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,068, or $18,687 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 price 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. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Jackson can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Jackson for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,437 |
| 3 years | $-8,175 |
| 5 years | $-4,913 |
| 7 years | $-1,651 |
| 9 years | $1,611 |
| 11 years | $4,873 |
| 13 years | $8,134 |
| 15 years | $11,396 |
| 17 years | $14,658 |
| 19 years | $17,920 |
| 21 years | $21,182 |
| 23 years | $24,444 |
| 25 years | $27,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand 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.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
For many Jackson homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jackson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,600. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Jackson homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jackson is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $22,731 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,599 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,613 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,772 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $55,077 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $63,528 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $72,124 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,866 | 7.2 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. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jackson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jackson is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jackson?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Jackson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.