Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesboro, MS (2024 Update)
- Waynesboro Solar Installation Cost: $18,027
- 25-Year Savings: $29,334
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesboro
We break down average solar pricing in Waynesboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waynesboro it’s 3 per watt.The average Waynesboro homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,027 with the federal tax credit, or $25,779 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Waynesboro can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waynesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,199 |
| 3 years | $-12,543 |
| 5 years | $-8,887 |
| 7 years | $-5,231 |
| 9 years | $-1,575 |
| 11 years | $2,081 |
| 13 years | $5,737 |
| 15 years | $9,394 |
| 17 years | $13,050 |
| 19 years | $16,706 |
| 21 years | $20,362 |
| 23 years | $24,018 |
| 25 years | $27,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
See all of the solar companies in Waynesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesboro
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Waynesboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waynesboro to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Waynesboro’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.27 | $13,716 | $18,832 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $25,461 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $32,265 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $39,246 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $46,403 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $53,735 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $61,243 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $68,927 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Waynesboro, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waynesboro?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waynesboro?
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 can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 Waynesboro?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Waynesboro?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.