Are Solar Panels Worth It in Mississippi?

6 factors to consider before getting solar panels in Mississippi

ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of solar customers who have already gone through the installation process. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.

1. Solar panel installation costs

2. Your energy consumption

3. How you pay

4. How long you stay in your house

5. Mississippi solar incentives

6. The solar company you hire

1. Solar panel installation costs

Average solar panel costs in Mississippi are comparable with the national average. A typical residential solar system costs approximately $32,770 in Mississippi.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. “Cost per watt” is a little like looking at the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Mississippi, the average cost per watt is $2.29.

Solar panel costs by system size in Mississippi

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs.

2. Your current energy consumption

A typical Mississippi household needs a system with the capacity of 14.31 kW to offset its electricity needs with solar energy. You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your current energy consumption.

It’s smart to get your electrical loads as low as possible before going solar. That way, you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have electrical appliances, consider upgrading them before investing in solar panels.

3. How you pay

It’s great if you can pay for the whole thing upfront. Of course, cash isn’t always an option. That’s when loans, leases and other agreements come into play.

• Solar loans work like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.

• Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.

4. How long you plan to stay in your house

It takes years for electric bill savings to make up for the initial cost — about 10.1 years on average in Mississippi. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.

A Zillow study found that, on average, houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more. Let’s say you spend $25,000 putting solar panels on a house that costs $400,000. It might sell for $16,400 more in a few years, according to Zillow. But you miss out on some of that $34,539 in total avoided utility costs over 25 years.

In other words, don't get solar panels just because you want to sell your house soon. Consider a home improvement project with a better return on investment, like remodeling the bathroom or kitchen, instead.

5. Mississippi solar incentives

The 30% federal residential solar tax credit has expired, and Mississippi’s local solar incentives are lacking compared to other states. As of publishing, rebates for low-income households and battery storage are currently suspended while the state reviews its solar rules.

But net metering can still help lower your electric bill by giving you credit for extra solar power sent to the grid.

You save the most by using solar power in your home. Extra electricity sent to the grid earns a lower credit set by your utility.

The program mainly applies to Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power customers. Co-op customers should check their utility’s rules.

» LEARN MORE: Solar incentives in Mississippi

6. The solar company you hire

We’ve heard from thousands of verified solar customers from all over the country. In the best-case scenario, it’s easy, and you’re happy with your system’s performance. In the worst-case scenario, you end up paying thousands for mid-tier solar equipment from a company with poor customer service and no follow-up or support.

One of the most common complaints is related to pushy sales reps who make promises that can’t be delivered. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly research and verify claims made by sales teams before making a decision.

» COMPARE: Best solar companies

Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

Going solar ends up being worth it for many homeowners as long as their house is a good candidate to support the panel installation. Here’s what to think about before you commit:

• How much sunlight do I get? Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible. Mississippi averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.
• What is the size and angle of my roof? Mississippi (and the rest of the United States) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. For example, if the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
• What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels.

Pros and cons of solar panels in Mississippi

Mississippi doesn’t have as many solar incentives as other states, but the long-term savings on electricity bills and the environmental benefits make it a compelling investment for those looking to embrace renewable energy.

Benefits of solar panels in Mississippi

• Cheaper energy bills: Going solar now means that your monthly energy expenses will be more predictable (and often significantly lower). Solar panels also protect you from future energy cost increases.
• Better for the environment: Installing solar panels on your roof helps the environment primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• Higher home resale value: According to the study mentioned above, houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average. The exact increase in value varies by location, with homes in active solar markets sometimes seeing even higher boosts.

Drawbacks of solar panels in Mississippi

• Solar equipment is expensive: Solar panels typically starts between $10,000 and $30,000, and it’s even more expensive if you want a solar battery for energy storage. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.
• Potential roof leaks: The installation process involves drilling to anchor the panel mounting systems into your roof. If not done correctly, this can lead to leaks or structural damage.
• Energy production varies: Solar panels are dependent on weather conditions and seasonality. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but less available sunlight does affect how efficiently they produce energy.

» MORE: Solar energy pros and cons

Find solar companies in Mississippi

Compare our picks for Mississippi’s top solar companies to learn more.

Mississippi solar FAQ

Bottom line: Is going solar in Mississippi worth it for you?

Going solar in Mississippi might be easier than you think. The main obstacle to going solar is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, inverters and other equipment. For a lot of homeowners, it ends up being worth it as long as their cost savings over time outweigh the initial investment. Others are happy to go solar for the environmental benefits alone.

Solar costs vs. savings: Mississippi and nearby states