Solar Panel Cost Guide in Starkville, MS (2025 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 average cost of a solar system in Starkville is 3 per watt.Because a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Starkville, the average price of going solar will be about $18,566 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Starkville homeowner can save around $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Starkville, you can click the button below.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Starkville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Starkville
The cost of installing a solar system in Starkville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Starkville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Starkville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Starkville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 large role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
EcoWatch's Starkville, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Starkville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 form 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 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.