Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gautier, MS (2023 Update)

  • Gautier Solar Installation Cost: $14,876
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,101
  • Payback Period: 8.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Gautier

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gautier.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gautier typically cost about 2.64. The average solar panel system size in Gautier is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,876 for a solar installation, or $21,273 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Gautier based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Gautier homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Gautier

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,117
3 years $-9,599
5 years $-6,081
7 years $-2,563
9 years $955
11 years $4,474
13 years $7,992
15 years $11,510
17 years $15,028
19 years $18,546
21 years $22,065
23 years $25,583
25 years $29,101

Top Solar Installers in Gautier

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Gautier

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gautier

The cost of installing a solar system in Gautier can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind 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 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 will be looking at 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 raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gautier homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Gautier's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gautier have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $21,233 8.8 years
8 kW $2.69 $15,080 $28,607 8.6 years
10 kW $2.64 $18,480 $36,128 8.5 years
12 kW $2.59 $21,732 $43,797 8.3 years
14 kW $2.53 $24,837 $51,614 8.1 years
16 kW $2.48 $27,794 $59,579 8.0 years
18 kW $2.43 $30,603 $67,692 7.8 years
20 kW $2.38 $33,264 $75,952 7.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall 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 keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Gautier, MS Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gautier?

The average cost of solar panels in Gautier 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gautier?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

Follow us