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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hattiesburg

We break down average solar pricing in West Hattiesburg.

In West Hattiesburg, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average West Hattiesburg homeowner needs a 8.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,157 with the federal tax credit, or $25,965 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in West Hattiesburg depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in West Hattiesburg for a personalized quote.

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

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in West Hattiesburg:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 West Hattiesburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hattiesburg

There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,140. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many West Hattiesburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Hattiesburg, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 West Hattiesburg, MS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in West Hattiesburg?

A solar panel system isn’t free in West Hattiesburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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