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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bay St. Louis it’s 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.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Bay St. Louis:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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 type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Bay St. Louis’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

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

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for 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 energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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