Solar power in Mississippi

Solar energy in Mississippi is a growing industry. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are a total of 438 MW megawatts (MW) of installed solar and $478 million invested in Mississippi solar to date. That’s a total of 919 solar installations, including the 83.6 MW project Meridian Solar that powers over 9,000 homes.

Mississippi has a warm, sunny climate throughout the year, meaning solar can be a lucrative investment. With over 900 solar jobs in the state overall, Mississippi solar is poised to grow, with 2064 MW planned to be installed over the next five years, according to the SEIA. Below, we’ll cover the benefits of solar panels, the costs of installing solar panels for homeowners, and ways to pay for solar panel installation in Mississippi.

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Mississippi solar panel cost

The cost of solar panels in Mississippi depends on factors like the size, components, and configuration of your system, as well as the type of solar panel you choose and local labor and permitting costs. Mississippi solar panels’ costs are measured in dollars per watt. According to Find Energy, a residential solar system in Mississippi costs $3.14 per watt, totaling about $34,540 for an 11-kilowatt (kW) solar array. 

While the upfront cost can be significant, tax credits and rebates like the Residential Clean Energy Credit deduction can help lower the price of solar energy in Mississippi.

How does Mississippi solar save you money?

Installing solar panels on your Mississippi home can save you thousands on energy costs over the panels’ lifetime. While it is a long-term investment, Mississippi has a faster payback period than many locations. 

For an average 11-kW solar system, after factoring in the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit, the payback period in Mississippi would be about 13 years. That’s assuming the average electricity bill in Mississippi, which is $157.62 a month. Assuming your household energy bills are comparable to the average, in 25 years, your savings would reach over $23,100. Since electricity rates increase over time and solar panel life expectancies are extending, your savings with solar panels could be even larger.

The following table displays a range of potential solar system sizes and costs at the Mississippi average price per watt of $3.14.

The best Mississippi solar panel incentives or rebates

The cost of solar panels in Mississippi can be quite pricey; however, federal and Mississippi solar incentives and rebates can lower the cost of solar energy in Mississippi. 

Currently, the best incentive for solar energy in Mississippi is the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners who install solar panels on their primary or secondary residence can claim a 30% tax credit for systems installed through 2032. There is no maximum limit set on this credit, and it extends retroactively to solar panels purchased from the beginning of 2022. 

Mississippi solar incentives are region- or city-specific, as the state currently does not offer dedicated solar rebate programs. Make sure to check the Mississippi section of the DSIRE database regularly to browse what is available, as programs can change, and there might be some Mississippi solar rebates and other incentives available in the future.

However, for those with solar panels installed, Mississippi does offer net metering. Depending on the local utility, you may be able to sell excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the utility company. Mississippi adopted this legislation in December 2015. 

Solar incentives in Jackson

Jackson residents can take advantage of the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on both primary and secondary residences. In addition, many Jackson utilities allow net metering, allowing you to earn extra with any additional solar power generated. 

Solar incentives in Gulfport

Residents of Gulfport can take advantage of the Residential Clean Energy Credit to get a 30% tax credit on their solar panel purchases. If you’re building a new home in Gulfport, you might also be eligible for local rebates. Also, depending on the utility connection, you can sell back any extra electricity generated through net metering.

Why choose Mississippi solar power?

Lower energy costs

Solar is also an investment that can help you save over time. The panels are expensive upfront, but when you finance them, you’re left with the savings from generating your own power.

Lower energy costs are the largest draw of installing solar panels. Energy bills are only getting more unpredictable and tend to increase over time, so saving on energy can be a huge advantage. Installing solar might also increase a home’s value since homebuyers in the market might consider added solar arrays a benefit. 

Increase energy independence

Increasing age and extreme weather have stressed the U.S. energy grid. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, between 2013–2016, the average U.S. household had around four hours of interrupted power. In 2017, there were close to eight hours of interrupted power and almost six hours in 2018. 

If you install solar panels paired with a solar battery that stores power you don’t use, you can gain energy independence. This gives you the freedom of stable electricity even in natural disasters or when the grid is down, or during times of high demand.

Go green

If reducing your impact on the environment is an important factor in your energy choices, installing solar panels in Mississippi is one of the most direct ways to help the environment and decrease your personal carbon footprint. Solar is a renewable and green resource that doesn’t deplete natural resources or contribute to carbon emissions as it is generated.

Should I buy or lease solar panels in Mississippi?

Buying solar panels instead of leasing them is your best option for long-term savings if you are able to do so. Installing solar panels in Mississippi has the potential to add to a home’s resale value by $15,000, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

Loans or leasing can be solid alternatives since it allows more homeowners to install solar. However, keep in mind that leasing won’t lead to the same total savings over the panels’ lifespan as purchasing solar panels. The incentives and rebates available to you might even be affected if you choose to lease.

You can also consider a shared solar or community solar program in Mississippi. Community solar programs offer residents the use of solar arrays to power multiple homes. Residents can sign up for purchase plans or subscriptions. If you’re looking to start smaller, try looking into smaller-scale solar devices, like solar panels that fit on an RV.  

Mississippi solar power companies

Homeowners can choose from several licensed solar installation companies in Mississippi. SaveOnEnergy is an independent energy marketplace that can help you find the best solar installer for your budget and needs.

SaveOnEnergy is an energy marketplace that partners with vetted, top-tier solar companies, solar installers, and solar PV experts to bring consumers curated solar options. Get information on the best Mississippi solar installation companies by filling out the form on this page or call us at the number on the screen to speak with one of our experts.

Solar installer	Year founded	Financing options	Warranty terms
	2011	Cash purchase or solar loan	25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee
	2018	Cash purchase or solar loan	30-year performance warranty, 25-year panel warranty, and 25-year quality guarantee
	1985	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	25-year full system warranty

What to look for in a solar contractor

When selecting a solar contractor or solar installer in Mississippi, consider professionals certified by one or more professional organizations, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar PV Installation Professional Certification. 

Check the quality of the products, manufacturers used warranties offered, licenses and certifications, as well as financing options to find the best solar installer for your needs. Check online reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends who installed solar.

Beware of free solar panels in Mississippi scam

There is no such thing as free solar panels. Scammers may try to use this tactic to lure you into sharing sensitive information or trapping you in an unfavorable contract. It’s also true that some installers may use this misleading language to describe loans. Remember that while solar panels are a significant upfront investment, they can pay off in the long run. Work with reputable local solar companies, and don’t respond to emails soliciting information to protect yourself from solar scams. 

Important solar installation factors to consider

Not every home is ready for solar panel installation. In addition to roof age and quality, you should consider whether you plan to move and any HOA limitations. Factors that affect Mississippi solar panels’ efficiency or possibilities include: 

• State of your roof: Time and weather can wear down older roofs, making them less capable of supporting the weight of a solar system. Ideally, the roof must also be angled to capture enough sunlight for panels to produce energy at optimum efficiency. Likewise, an old roof that will need to be replaced soon isn’t a good choice for solar installations. Learn more about optimal roof conditions at energy.gov.
• Access to sunlight: Sunny days are frequent in Mississippi, but solar panels might be less efficient if your yard is overly shaded. Consider whether cutting down and thinning trees can improve solar panels’ efficiency and your return on investment. 
• HOA regulations: Your local HOA or neighborhood might have restrictions on solar panel installation. Some neighborhoods might consider them an eyesore, or you might have to simply seek approval before installing solar. Check local regulations and get any necessary approvals before purchasing solar.