Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, MS (2023 Update)
- Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $14,802
- 25-Year Savings: $30,495
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Beach
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Long Beach.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Long Beach typically cost around 2.64. The average Long Beach homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,802 with the federal tax credit, or $21,167 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Long Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,991 |
| 3 years | $-9,367 |
| 5 years | $-5,743 |
| 7 years | $-2,119 |
| 9 years | $1,505 |
| 11 years | $5,129 |
| 13 years | $8,752 |
| 15 years | $12,376 |
| 17 years | $16,000 |
| 19 years | $19,624 |
| 21 years | $23,248 |
| 23 years | $26,871 |
| 25 years | $30,495 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Beach
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Long Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Long Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Long Beach to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Long Beach homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Long Beach, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides 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 | $22,407 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $30,172 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $38,085 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $46,145 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $54,354 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $62,710 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $71,214 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $79,866 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Long Beach, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Long Beach?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.