Solar Panel Cost Guide in Petal, MS (2024 Update)
- Petal Solar Installation Cost: $18,125
- 25-Year Savings: $30,714
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Petal
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Petal.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Petal it’s 3 per watt.Since a 8.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Petal, the average price of going solar will be about $18,125 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Petal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,297 |
| 3 years | $-12,640 |
| 5 years | $-8,984 |
| 7 years | $-5,328 |
| 9 years | $-1,672 |
| 11 years | $1,984 |
| 13 years | $5,640 |
| 15 years | $9,296 |
| 17 years | $12,952 |
| 19 years | $16,608 |
| 21 years | $20,264 |
| 23 years | $23,920 |
| 25 years | $27,577 |
Top Solar Installers in Petal
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Petal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Petal
The cost of installing a solar system in Petal can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Petal, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,140 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Petal, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Petal offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Petal, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,721 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $26,646 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $33,747 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $41,024 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $48,476 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $56,105 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $63,909 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $71,890 | 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Petal, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Petal?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Petal?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Petal. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Petal have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.