Solar Panel Cost Guide in Diamondhead, MS (2024 Update)
- Diamondhead Solar Installation Cost: $17,510
- 25-Year Savings: $27,822
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Diamondhead
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Diamondhead.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Diamondhead it’s 3 per watt.Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Diamondhead, the average price of going solar will be about $17,510 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Diamondhead homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Diamondhead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,846 |
| 3 years | $-12,518 |
| 5 years | $-9,190 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,534 |
| 11 years | $794 |
| 13 years | $4,122 |
| 15 years | $7,450 |
| 17 years | $10,778 |
| 19 years | $14,106 |
| 21 years | $17,434 |
| 23 years | $20,762 |
| 25 years | $24,090 |
Top Solar Installers in Diamondhead
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Diamondhead, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 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 Diamondhead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Diamondhead
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Diamondhead is $17,510, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Diamondhead, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,140 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Diamondhead to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Diamondhead, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 | $3.27 | $13,716 | $18,327 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $24,788 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $31,425 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $38,238 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $45,226 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $52,390 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $59,730 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $67,246 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 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 Diamondhead, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Diamondhead?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. 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 Diamondhead?
Solar panels aren’t free in Diamondhead, 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 installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Diamondhead, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.