Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bay St. Louis, MS (2024 Update)
- Bay St. Louis Solar Installation Cost: $17,510
- 25-Year Savings: $29,658
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bay St. Louis
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bay St. Louis.
The average cost of a solar system in Bay St. Louis is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bay St. Louis is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,510 for a solar installation, or $25,039 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Bay St. Louis based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bay St. Louis find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bay St. Louis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,764 |
| 3 years | $-12,271 |
| 5 years | $-8,779 |
| 7 years | $-5,287 |
| 9 years | $-1,795 |
| 11 years | $1,697 |
| 13 years | $5,189 |
| 15 years | $8,681 |
| 17 years | $12,173 |
| 19 years | $15,665 |
| 21 years | $19,157 |
| 23 years | $22,649 |
| 25 years | $26,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Bay St. Louis
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bay St. Louis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bay St. Louis
The cost of installing a solar system in Bay St. Louis can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,140.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bay St. Louis, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Bay St. Louis’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.27 | $13,716 | $19,710 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $26,632 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $33,730 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $41,004 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $48,453 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $56,078 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $63,879 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $71,856 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total 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 consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 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 $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bay St. Louis?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bay St. Louis, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.