Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, MS (2024 Update)
- Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $17,602
- 25-Year Savings: $30,499
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Beach
We break down average solar pricing in Long Beach.
In Long Beach, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Long Beach homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,602 with the federal tax credit, or $25,171 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Long Beach homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Long Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,774 |
| 3 years | $-12,118 |
| 5 years | $-8,461 |
| 7 years | $-4,805 |
| 9 years | $-1,149 |
| 11 years | $2,507 |
| 13 years | $6,163 |
| 15 years | $9,819 |
| 17 years | $13,475 |
| 19 years | $17,131 |
| 21 years | $20,787 |
| 23 years | $24,443 |
| 25 years | $28,099 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Beach
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Long Beach, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Long Beach, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Long Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Long Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,140.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket 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.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Long Beach, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Long Beach are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $20,223 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $27,316 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $34,585 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $42,029 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $49,650 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $57,446 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $65,418 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $73,566 | 8.7 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 proven 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Long Beach, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Long Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Long Beach, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.