Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jackson, LA (2024 Update)
- Jackson Solar Installation Cost: $26,737
- 25-Year Savings: $27,104
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
We go over average solar pricing in Jackson.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jackson generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Jackson, most homeowners require a 10.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,737, or $38,234 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Jackson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jackson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,363 |
| 3 years | $-22,616 |
| 5 years | $-19,868 |
| 7 years | $-17,120 |
| 9 years | $-14,373 |
| 11 years | $-11,625 |
| 13 years | $-8,878 |
| 15 years | $-6,130 |
| 17 years | $-3,382 |
| 19 years | $-635 |
| 21 years | $2,113 |
| 23 years | $4,861 |
| 25 years | $7,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Jackson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Jackson:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Jackson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jackson
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Jackson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Jackson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Jackson, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $10,375 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,258 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,355 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $22,664 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,187 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $31,922 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $36,869 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,030 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Jackson, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jackson?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Jackson?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Jackson?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.