Electricity bills are high in Mississippi due to the state’s overwhelming heat and humidity. In June 2023, The Magnolia State had among the highest average electric bills in the nation; the average Mississippian’s monthly bill was $167. This was in spite of the fact that those bills were down 5% from the previous year.
That hot sun makes it hard to give the air conditioner a break in the summer. But what if you could make the sun power your air conditioner? Installing solar panels can reduce or even replace your utility bill and protect you from the unpredictable energy market. After your solar system’s payback period concludes, you could save thousands on your energy bills. The cost of solar has decreased by 52% in the last 10 years, and incentives are available to reduce the price further.Â
The federal solar tax credit has made solar installation easier than ever: any US resident can claim a 30% rebate on the cost of clean energy additions to their homes. Mississippi has no strong state-level solar incentives, though net metering policies in the state could help you gain credits toward your electricity bill by sending excess energy back to the grid.
Here’s a look at the costs, incentives and solar companies offering rooftop installations in the state of Mississippi.
National solar panel companies in Mississippi
There are not many residential solar companies to choose from in Mississippi. The following companies are on our list of the top national solar companies.
SunPower Solar
Best solar panels
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice. But don’t write it off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people.
Tesla Solar
Most affordable
Tesla’s solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk’s ventures. Even Tesla’s Solar Roof seems to get more love.
If price is the thing you won’t budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.
Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla’s service is a bit of a gamble.
Local solar panel companies in Mississippi
Mississippi Solar has served commercial and residential customers since 2009. The company installs REC Solar panels with a 25-year performance and product guarantee. In addition, Mississippi Solar backs its services with a five-year quality of work warranty, which is lower than most competitors. The company includes lifetime monitoring to ensure the system performs efficiently.Â
How to determine which solar company in Mississippi is best for me
You don’t have a ton of choices in Mississippi — only five installers operate in the state, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association — but it’s still important to shop around. Get quotes from multiple companies, and make sure they’re coming to your home and making those estimates based on your actual situation.
You’ll need to evaluate companies on more than just price. Look at each choice’s reputation, product offerings, services and warranties before making a decision.
Cost of solar panels in Mississippi
Here’s a look at the average cash price for a typical solar panel system in Mississippi before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. Your system could cost more if you choose to install a solar battery or other equipment.
Average cost of solar panels in Mississippi
| Typical system size (kW) | Price per watt | Total installed cost | Cost after 30% federal tax credit | |
| Mississippi | 10 | $3.14 | $31,400 | $21,980 |
| National average | 8.6 | $3.67 | $31,558 | $22,091 |
We’ve put together an interactive map, where you’ll be able to view the data for the average total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a solar panel system in your state, according to numbers pulled from FindEnergy.com. The prices you’ll see don’t factor in rebates from tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don’t have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.
Mississippi solar panel incentives and rebates
Mississippi has no state-specific solar incentives such as property tax exemptions, but residents can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. The 30% residential clean energy credit applies to solar systems purchased from 2022 through 2032. The following table details the solar tax credit and net metering in Mississippi.
Mississippi solar incentives
Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.
Solar financing options in Mississippi
Paying for solar upfront can be a large investment. While a cash purchase may be the quickest way to get a return on investment, other payment options are available with lower or no upfront costs. Here’s a look at some options.
Cash: Cash allows you to avoid paying financing costs and interest. Not ready for solar yet? Consider saving up for your future solar panels in a high-yield savings account.
Solar loans:Â These loans, typically offered by your solar installer, are another option that is still eligible for the federal tax credit. Keep in mind that interest and fees can lead to higher costs over time.Â
Other loans: You don’t have to borrow money from your solar company or the partner they recommend. You can also pay for solar panels — and get the full federal tax credit — with loans from banks and other lenders. That includes home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, which are secured by your home. Be careful: If you don’t pay back a home equity loan or HELOC, your lender can foreclose.
Leasing and other options: Solar leases and power purchase agreements offer affordable ways to use solar energy without owning or maintaining the panels. While owning may lead to more long-term savings, solar leases and PPAs can result in lower energy bills since you are not paying for electricity from the grid. In a solar lease, you pay the solar company, which installs and owns the panels, a fixed monthly price. For PPAs, you pay a rate based on the amount of electricity used.
Solar panel installation questions to consider
Going solar is a big, expensive proposition. Consider the following before deciding if solar is right for you.
Questions to consider
| Does your homeowner’s insurance cover solar panels? | Contact your home insurance company to make updates if your current policy does not include solar panels. |
|---|---|
| Is your home in the best location? | Solar panels still generate energy in shaded areas but perform best with at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. |
| Are you an HOA member? | If you are part of a homeowners or other neighborhood association, there may be rules or restrictions for solar panels. Check with your association for guidelines. |
| How old is your roof? | Old or damaged roofs require repair before installation. Sturdy roofs help ensure your panels won’t need removing during the lifetime of your system. Repairs should be factored into your budget. |
| Do you rent your home? | Community solar programs are available for renters through subscription-style services. |
| Who completes the process? | Inquire with your selected solar company about their installation process to determine if they complete all of the work in-house or hire subcontractors. Ensure you have a list of who to contact throughout the process. |
| Have you received multiple estimates? | Getting price quotes from multiple companies can help you determine which company fits your budget. |
| What is the company’s warranty? | Compare the length and terms for solar company warranties for what potential maintenance and protection is covered. |
How we found the best solar companies
The companies we listed above as “the best” are curated from CNET’s best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer. Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here.
Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way. We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state.
Whether we’ve completed a full review on a company or not, it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
Mississippi solar FAQs
What is the solar payback period in Mississippi?
The payback period for your system depends on your home’s energy usage and total system cost. The average payback period is six to 12 years, according to experts we talked to. Â
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panel production warranties from manufacturers usually last 25 years, but the panels are expected to last much longer. Over time the power output will decrease, just as with any technology, but higher-quality materials tend to have a longer lifespan than cheap options.Â
Can I save money with solar panels?
Yes. Installing solar panels can save money on energy bills and reduce the financial impact of rising electricity rates. Financial incentives and financing options are available to make solar more affordable.
Source: CNET
