Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carthage, MS (2024 Update)
- Carthage Solar Installation Cost: $18,465
- 25-Year Savings: $24,732
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carthage
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Carthage.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carthage typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 8.4-kW system would cost about $18,465 before the 0 federal solar 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 making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carthage find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carthage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,098 |
| 3 years | $-14,363 |
| 5 years | $-11,628 |
| 7 years | $-8,893 |
| 9 years | $-6,158 |
| 11 years | $-3,424 |
| 13 years | $-689 |
| 15 years | $2,046 |
| 17 years | $4,781 |
| 19 years | $7,516 |
| 21 years | $10,251 |
| 23 years | $12,986 |
| 25 years | $15,721 |
Top Solar Installers in Carthage
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Carthage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carthage
For many Carthage homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carthage, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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 get is another factor that will considerably influence 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carthage have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Carthage are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $15,036 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $20,400 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $25,939 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $31,654 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $37,545 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $43,612 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $49,855 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $56,274 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Carthage, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carthage?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Carthage?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Carthage. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Carthage?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.