Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hattiesburg, MS (2024 Update)
- West Hattiesburg Solar Installation Cost: $18,157
- 25-Year Savings: $30,646
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hattiesburg
We break down average solar pricing in West Hattiesburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Hattiesburg it’s 3 per watt.Since a 8.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Hattiesburg, the average price of going solar will be about $18,157 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Hattiesburg homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Hattiesburg can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Hattiesburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,329 |
| 3 years | $-12,673 |
| 5 years | $-9,017 |
| 7 years | $-5,361 |
| 9 years | $-1,705 |
| 11 years | $1,951 |
| 13 years | $5,607 |
| 15 years | $9,263 |
| 17 years | $12,919 |
| 19 years | $16,575 |
| 21 years | $20,232 |
| 23 years | $23,888 |
| 25 years | $27,544 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hattiesburg
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in West Hattiesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hattiesburg
For many West Hattiesburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Hattiesburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important 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 panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Hattiesburg, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Hattiesburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,631 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $26,526 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $33,597 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $40,844 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $48,267 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $55,865 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $63,640 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $71,590 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's West Hattiesburg, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Hattiesburg?
The average cost of solar panels in West Hattiesburg 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in West Hattiesburg?
Solar panels aren’t free in West Hattiesburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,111.54 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Hattiesburg?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.