Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulfport, MS (Mar 2023)
- Gulfport Solar Installation Cost: $14,802
- 25-Year Savings: $31,046
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulfport
We go over average solar pricing in Gulfport.
In Gulfport, solar panels cost about 2.64 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $14,802 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Gulfport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gulfport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,969 |
| 3 years | $-9,301 |
| 5 years | $-5,633 |
| 7 years | $-1,965 |
| 9 years | $1,703 |
| 11 years | $5,371 |
| 13 years | $9,039 |
| 15 years | $12,707 |
| 17 years | $16,375 |
| 19 years | $20,042 |
| 21 years | $23,710 |
| 23 years | $27,378 |
| 25 years | $31,046 |
Top Solar Installers in Gulfport
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Gulfport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gulfport
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Gulfport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Gulfport, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gulfport, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gulfport offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gulfport homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Gulfport, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.75 | $11,532 | $22,820 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $30,723 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $38,773 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $46,971 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $55,317 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $63,810 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $72,452 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $81,241 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type 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 options before making your decision.
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 Gulfport, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gulfport?
The average cost of solar panels in Gulfport 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,145.05 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.