Solar Panel Cost Guide in Starkville, MS (2024 Update)
- Starkville Solar Installation Cost: $18,566
- 25-Year Savings: $8,423
- Payback Period: 19.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Starkville
We go over average solar pricing in Starkville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Starkville it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Starkville, most homeowners require a 8.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,566, or $26,549 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Starkville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Starkville can save about $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Starkville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Starkville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,925 |
| 3 years | $-13,644 |
| 5 years | $-10,363 |
| 7 years | $-7,082 |
| 9 years | $-3,801 |
| 11 years | $-520 |
| 13 years | $2,761 |
| 15 years | $6,042 |
| 17 years | $9,323 |
| 19 years | $12,604 |
| 21 years | $15,886 |
| 23 years | $19,167 |
| 25 years | $22,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Starkville
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Starkville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Starkville
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,140.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Starkville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.27 | $13,716 | $3,355 | 20.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $4,825 | 19.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $6,471 | 19.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $8,293 | 18.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $10,291 | 18.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $12,464 | 18.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $14,813 | 17.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $17,338 | 17.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Starkville, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Starkville?
The average cost of solar panels in Starkville is about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind 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 Starkville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Starkville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Starkville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.