Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, CA (2024 Update)

  • Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $7,462
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,460
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Jackson.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jackson it’s 3 per watt.The average Jackson homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,462 with the federal tax credit, or $10,671 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jackson find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Jackson, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Jackson

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,924
3 years $-2,849
5 years $227
7 years $3,303
9 years $6,379
11 years $9,455
13 years $12,530
15 years $15,606
17 years $18,682
19 years $21,758
21 years $24,834
23 years $27,909
25 years $30,985

Top Solar Installers in Jackson

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Jackson, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Jackson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jackson

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Jackson is $7,462, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Jackson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Jackson, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Jackson is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $36,268 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,746 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,418 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,284 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,345 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,600 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $114,050 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,694 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Jackson, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jackson?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,714.16 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.

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