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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jacksonville, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Jacksonville, the average price of going solar will be about $16,335 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind 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 panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jacksonville find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Jacksonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jacksonville
For many Jacksonville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels 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 number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Jacksonville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Jacksonville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Jacksonville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- 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 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 continue to use 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.