Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hattiesburg, MS (Mar 2023)
- Hattiesburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,246
- 25-Year Savings: $30,554
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hattiesburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hattiesburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hattiesburg typically cost about 2.64. The average Hattiesburg homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,246 with the federal tax credit, or $21,802 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hattiesburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,414 |
| 3 years | $-9,750 |
| 5 years | $-6,086 |
| 7 years | $-2,422 |
| 9 years | $1,242 |
| 11 years | $4,906 |
| 13 years | $8,570 |
| 15 years | $12,234 |
| 17 years | $15,898 |
| 19 years | $19,562 |
| 21 years | $23,226 |
| 23 years | $26,890 |
| 25 years | $30,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Hattiesburg
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hattiesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hattiesburg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Hattiesburg: 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 Hattiesburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hattiesburg, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hattiesburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Hattiesburg, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions 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: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Hattiesburg, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hattiesburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hattiesburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Hattiesburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.