Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and well-being.
- Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Jackson Homeowners?
Mississippi agencies and electric companies offer numerous solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: southernpine.coopIncentive Amount:
Comfort Advantage Plus Home: $500
Comfort Advantage Home: $300
Additional Heat Pump: $150/Unit
Additional Geothermal HVAC: $500/Unit
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Jackson
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Consider all of these aspects in your company search.
Licensing and Training
Mississippi requires solar installers to have a Solar and Wind Construction classification on a per-job basis. Jobs valued at under $50,000 may be exempt from licensure requirements. Contractors may also need an electrical or plumbing certification if either portion of related work exceeds $50,000 in value. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $15,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Jackson. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Jackson solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,030 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $803 |
Thin-Film | $470 |
Solar Battery | $659 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,472 |
Financing Solar Energy in Jackson
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Jackson.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.1 years |
2 kW | 4.2 years |
5 kW | 10.5 years |
10 kW | 21.0 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Jackson
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Jackson?
Will solar panels improve my Jackson home price?
What's a Jackson solar panel's average lifespan?
What size should my new Jackson solar system be?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Jackson?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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