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

  • Hattiesburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,252
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,548
  • Payback Period: 8.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Hattiesburg

Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hattiesburg.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hattiesburg, the average cost of solar panels is 2.64 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hattiesburg is around 8.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,246 for a solar installation, or $21,802 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hattiesburg can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Hattiesburg for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Hattiesburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,427
3 years $-9,776
5 years $-6,125
7 years $-2,474
9 years $1,177
11 years $4,828
13 years $8,479
15 years $12,130
17 years $15,781
19 years $19,431
21 years $23,082
23 years $26,733
25 years $30,384

Top Solar Installers in Hattiesburg

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

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 Hattiesburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hattiesburg

For many Hattiesburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hattiesburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Hattiesburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hattiesburg homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $21,764 8.7 years
8 kW $2.69 $15,080 $29,314 8.5 years
10 kW $2.64 $18,480 $37,012 8.3 years
12 kW $2.59 $21,732 $44,858 8.2 years
14 kW $2.53 $24,837 $52,852 8.0 years
16 kW $2.48 $27,794 $60,994 7.8 years
18 kW $2.43 $30,603 $69,283 7.7 years
20 kW $2.38 $33,264 $77,720 7.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Hattiesburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

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 Hattiesburg, MS Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Hattiesburg 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Hattiesburg?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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