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3 Best Solar Companies in Mississippi (2024 Guide)
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Mississippi is known for its humid climate and long, hot summers, which means high utility bills. According to Entergy Mississippi, cooling costs make up about 55% of the average Mississippi resident’s utility bill during warm months. Going solar can help you offset these energy costs and keep your home cool affordably.
Our team spent 60 hours researching the top solar companies on the national, regional, and local levels. This guide covers Mississippi’s best solar companies and offers advice on selecting the right company based on your needs.
Compare the Best Solar Companies in Mississippi
Mississippi’s Top Solar Energy Companies
- Best Solar Roofs: Green Home Systems
- Best Regional Gulf Coast Installer: Solar Alternatives
- Best Technology: Tesla Solar
Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in MS
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
Are There Solar Incentives in Mississippi?
Although Mississippi offers fewer solar incentives than other states, homeowners can still reduce solar panel installation costs. Here’s an overview of Mississippi residents’ available solar incentives and credits.
With the federal solar tax credit, homeowners receive up to 30% off solar installation costs. These savings translate to a tax credit that’s applied to your owed federal taxes. Mississippi residents qualify for the incentive if they legally own their solar system. The federal tax credit applies to rooftop panels, solar shingles, and standalone energy storage systems.
Net-metering provides homeowners utility bill credits in exchange for excess renewable energy sent back to the power grid. The Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) mandates net metering for investor-owned utilities (IOUs). Other utility companies, such as electric cooperatives, aren’t required to offer the program, but some still do. Contact your utility company to verify availability and get more sign-up information.
Unfortunately, Mississippi doesn’t offer any additional solar rebates or credits. However, there are additional incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for the most up-to-date list of rebates and credits.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Keep the following key factors in mind when considering solar installation companies.
Solar Services
Either an in-house team or a third-party contractor will complete your solar installation process. In-house teams work directly with the company, providing better communication and better solar installation quality. With third-party contracts, solar companies use various local installers to complete your project. This can lead to varied installation quality and contractor miscommunications. We recommend working with solar companies that use in-house installers.
Consider solar companies that offer additional services, including energy audits and system monitoring. Energy audits boost your home’s efficiency, leading to better energy use and lower utility bills. System monitoring helps you track your system’s health and provides alerts on production or panel issues. These services may come with your contract or cost an additional fee. Other solar services include roofing, electrical, and system servicing.
Warranties
System warranty lengths vary between providers and products but should align with your panels’ estimated life span. Since most panels last around 25 years, look for warranties offering that same coverage length. The best solar panels have longer warranty lengths than cheaper options. You’ll typically find the following warranty coverage for most solar energy solutions.
- Manufacturer (or product) warranty: This coverage protects your panels against manufacturer defects.
- Workmanship (or labor) coverage: This warranty covers any issues caused by a poor or faulty system installation.
Some solar providers offer panel performance guarantees that promise specific production levels throughout your system’s lifetime. These guarantees vary by provider but could last from two to 30 years or longer.
Payment Options
Which solar financing method you choose plays a major role in your system’s estimated payback period and return on investment (ROI). Cash payments or solar loans offer the best financial benefits and qualify you for solar incentives, rebates, and credits. Other payment options, such as solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), leave solar panel system ownership with the provider. These financing options offer little long-term financial benefit. Unless solar system ownership is not a priority, we recommend up-front payment or solar loans for most homeowners.
Customer Support
Solar installers should offer multiple contact methods for their customer support team. You’ll typically find companies offer phone and email support. We’ve also seen additional methods, such as online chat, SMS messaging, and online forms. During secret shopping, we found some online chats use live agents while others rely on unhelpful automated responses. You may also have direct technical support team access via the provider’s dedicated app.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Mississippi
After speaking with solar experts and requesting our own solar quotes, we created the below step-by-step guide on the typical quote process. Since pricing, products, and warranties vary between companies, you should request multiple solar quotes to find the best options.
- Contact each company: Many solar providers offer online forms or phone numbers to begin the quote process. When using online forms, check the terms and conditions for mentions of automated calls or SMS messaging. You may speak with several representatives during this step.
- Schedule your consultation: You’ll schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with the company. In-person appointments are conducted in your home with a company rep. Virtual appointments use video conferencing for the meeting. Choose a time when you will be uninterrupted by other distractions.
- Have your energy bills handy: Solar companies build your system based on your typical energy needs. Have your most recent energy bill on hand for your consultation. Some companies request multiple electric bills to assess your usage throughout the year. We recommend having several months available for the consultation.
- Check your roof space: The consultant will check your available roof space and determine the best panels for your project. Efficient solar panels produce more power and require less room, while cheaper solar panels require ample roof space. The consultant will also check your roof’s structural integrity and overall design. They will also check for any nearby shading that could reduce your panels’ performance.
- Build your system: During this step, the consultant will begin designing your solar system. You can choose your solar panel type, brand, system size, and add-on upgrades such as solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
- Review your final quote: You’ll receive an itemized quote detailing all solar equipment, components, upgrades, and warranty coverage. Your quote should include full system costs, including labor, and your available financing options. Some solar installers also assist with applying for solar incentives to help offset your final solar investment costs. Compare each finalized quote before choosing a solar provider.
Our Conclusion
Green Home Systems stands out as the top solar provider in Mississippi due to its excellent customer service. The company provides a wide variety of options for solar equipment, such as inverters and solar batteries.
As you search for the right solar installation company, we recommend getting at least three free quotes to compare product catalogs, warranty coverage, and solar services.
Other Mississippi Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in MS
Does Mississippi offer solar incentives?
Yes, Mississippi offers a few solar incentives for residents. The federal tax credit provides up to 30% of solar installation costs. Unfortunately, Mississippi has no other incentives, such as a state solar tax credit or exemptions for property tax.
Is Mississippi a good state for solar?
Yes, Mississippi is a good state for solar, thanks to its abundant sunshine, averaging 216 sunny days annually. Residents benefit from lower energy bills, especially when staying cool during Mississippi’s long, humid summers. Total energy savings will depend on several factors, including your energy needs, system size, solar panel quality, and local electricity rates.
What is Mississippi’s largest solar farm?
Mississippi’s largest solar farm is the Sumrall Solar Farm in Sumrall, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Built in 2017, this farm generates 143.9 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Does Mississippi allow net metering?
Mississippi allows net metering through investor-owned utilities (IOUs), though some electric cooperatives offer their own program. Homeowners should check with their utility company for its available net-metering program and payout rates.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
