Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bay St Louis, MS (Mar 2023)
- Bay St Louis Solar Installation Cost: $14,729
- 25-Year Savings: $29,651
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bay St Louis
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bay St Louis.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bay St Louis typically cost around 2.64. The average solar panel system size in Bay St Louis is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,729 for a solar installation, or $21,062 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Bay St Louis homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bay St Louis for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bay St Louis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,953 |
| 3 years | $-9,403 |
| 5 years | $-5,853 |
| 7 years | $-2,302 |
| 9 years | $1,248 |
| 11 years | $4,798 |
| 13 years | $8,349 |
| 15 years | $11,899 |
| 17 years | $15,450 |
| 19 years | $19,000 |
| 21 years | $22,550 |
| 23 years | $26,101 |
| 25 years | $29,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Bay St Louis
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bay St Louis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bay St Louis
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bay St Louis provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.75 | $11,532 | $21,894 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $29,488 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $37,230 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $45,120 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $53,157 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $61,342 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $69,675 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $78,156 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bay St Louis, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bay St Louis?
The average cost of solar panels in Bay St Louis is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider aside 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 why you decided to go solar. In areas 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bay St Louis, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with 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 consumption and the average daily 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 buy 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.