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Best Solar Companies in Mississippi

We compared 47 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.8(184)
    • Project Solar
      4.7(78)

    Best Solar Companies in Mississippi

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Our top 2 solar company picks for Mississippi

    1. Our top pick overall: ShopSolar
    2. Runner-up: Project Solar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    The best solar companies reviewed

    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    ShopSolar
    ShopSolar
    4.8
    184 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    Varies
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. It has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. Verified customers tell us that setting up an account takes about two minutes, and you get extra discounts for doing so.

    “The big solar kit I got has been doing good. I was trying to get my lines all the way from the solar panels to the inside of my control and charging my batteries instead of getting them in sections. But I had a problem with the MC4 connectors underground. … But besides all that, everything was great. I have a lot of shade around my house and the solar kit still works really well. I lose a bit of power but I don't lose that much. I'm pleased with it. …” — Charlie in Petal

    You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. The online store stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow, plus it sells custom solar kits. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services, so it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

    ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

    • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
    • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) range from 0% to 36%.

    Pros

    • Overall positive reviews
    • Complete solar packages
    • Lifetime customer support
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Free nationwide shipping

    Cons

    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Runner up
    Project Solar
    Project Solar
    4.7
    78 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    20.9%
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2016
    Read Reviews

    Project Solar reps take a no-sales-gimmicks approach that appeals to more budget-conscious solar clients. We like that pricing is competitive and transparent. As of publishing, projects start at $1.26 per watt. Anything over 13 kilowatts is a flat rate.

    Project Solar systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase. As part of the full-service installation, it offers Enphase IQ 5P batteries or Tesla Powerwall. DIY projects only have the Enphase IQ 5P option. It currently operates in multiple states across the U.S.

    Like ShopSolar, Project Solar does not currently offer installation services in Mississippi.

    A manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials of solar panels, inverters and other equipment for 25 years. There’s a production guarantee for 25 years, and the company provides reimbursements if production levels are not met during this time.

    Mississippi customers can pay cash upfront or finance their project through a third-party lender, such as LightStream, or a home equity loan/line of credit.

    Pros

    • Transparent pricing
    • Streamlined process
    • Great for cost savings

    Cons

    • No professional installation in Mississippi
    • No in-house financing

    Solar Companies in Mississippi Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

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      Mississippi solar panel buyers guide

      Going solar in the Magnolia State might be easier than you think. Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country — here’s what to expect and look out for.

      Key insights

      In Mississippi, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,990 to $31,400, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Mississippi.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      How do I choose a solar company in Mississippi?

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Mississippi. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      • Licensed, insured and certified: In Mississippi, a Solar and Wind Construction classification is required for solar construction work exceeding $50,000. For electrical work over $50,000, an electrical classification license is needed. No other licenses are required, but you can check the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals for reputable contractors. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Long time in business: Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Mississippi. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.
      • Good reputation: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Comprehensive services: Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in Mississippi.
      • Free consultations: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Transparent terms: Carefully review proposals and financials carefully, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Mississippi?

      Average solar panel costs in Mississippi typically range between $10,990 and $31,400. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost.

      It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and whether or not you want a solar storage battery. Solar storage batteries sometimes cost as much as the panels —expect to pay an extra $7,000 to $18,000.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Mississippi

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      You could pay the full cost upfront, but many choose to finance their system through a solar loan. It works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest.

      Alternatively, you can lease solar panels. There are pros and cons to leasing. It’s sometimes cheaper in the short term, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, including the federal solar investment tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      What solar incentives are available in Mississippi?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is currently the most significant way to make installing panels more affordable. The ITC is a federal income tax credit worth 30% of your solar system’s total cost, including equipment, labor and permits.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe.

      However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount. So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 the next taxable year.

      Net metering in Mississippi

      Mississippi's net metering program allows residents with renewable energy systems to sell excess power back to utilities. This means your home's electricity meter keeps track of both the electricity you use from the utility company and any extra electricity your solar system feeds back into the electric grid.

      At the end of each month, your utility company calculates whether your solar system sent more electricity into the grid than you pulled from it. If you put more into the grid than you used, you get a credit on the next month's utility bill. Compensation is based on "avoided fuel cost" rather than full retail rates.

      The program has expanded, with participation caps increased from 3% to 4%. Investor-owned utilities now offer a $3,500 rebate for residential customers installing qualifying renewable energy systems. Recent changes prioritize solar adoption for low-to-moderate-income customers. To participate, individuals should check eligibility criteria, contact their electric provider and consider available incentives.

      » MORE: Mississippi solar incentives, tax credits & rebates

      Are solar panels worth it in Mississippi?

      Going solar in Magnolia State isn’t just a green move; it's often a smart money move. With electricity costs continuing to rise, more homeowners find solar power is financially worth it in the long run.

      The general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Mississippi. On average, Mississippians with solar panels can avoid $34,539 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      With electricity costs continuing to rise, more Mississippi homeowners find solar power is financially worth it in the long run.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      However, we’ve also heard about problems with leaks and roof damage caused by the installation of solar panels, leading to frustration and difficulties in getting repairs. As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      The return on investment of a solar panel installation depends on your system's efficiency and size. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.1 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Although there aren’t as many incentives as some other states, appealing tax breaks, low interest loans and other initiatives make going solar worthwhile for many Mississippi homeowners.

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the average costs of going solar and incentives in other states. Turns out, it’s worth it for many homeowners, particularly for Mississippi.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      Do I need any permits before going solar in Mississippi?

      In Mississippi, various permits are required for solar panel installation, including electrical, building, interconnection, zoning and solar photovoltaic permits. The cost of these permits can range from $50 to $350, depending on the specific location within Mississippi.

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Mississippi averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      Can I get free solar panels in Mississippi?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Mississippi. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can cost you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.

      Ultimately, deciding between a broker or solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, working directly with a solar installer is best.

      What are the different kinds of solar inverters?

      Two primary kinds of solar inverters are used for residential solar setups: string inverters and microinverters. String inverters link up multiple panels and channel the electricity to a spot where it's turned into a current your home can use. Microinverters are miniature inverters attached to each individual panel. They're more efficient at preventing any loss of power capacity.

      » EXPLORE: What are grid-tied solar systems?

      Methodology

      The Consumer Affairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Mississippi customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%
      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Mississippi. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Mississippians' needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks.

      Guide sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. DSIRE, "Mississippi Programs.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Mississippi.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Mississippi Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Mississippi?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
      5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
      6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.

      Not sure how to choose?

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