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Mississippi solar panels: The complete guide in 2025

Data updated Jun 3, 2025

Written by: Emily Walker

Thinking about going solar? In Mississippi, you’ll need a 10.95 kW system to match the average electric bill. It’ll cost you around $21,322 after the federal tax credit.

Cost for an average system in Mississippi


Out of pocket cost, cash$30,460
Federal tax credit (30%)- $9,138
Price post tax credit$21,322

25-year savingsPayback periodElectricity offset
$27,62713 Years81%
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As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).

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Going solar in Mississippi

The Magnolia State’s sunny skies and mild winters make it a natural fit for solar panels––they can reduce your carbon footprint and your reliance on the utility electric grid. 

Factor in the federal solar tax credit, and Mississippians can cut the cost of solar by thousands of dollars, speeding up your payback period and increasing the value of your investment.

Here's what you should know about going solar in Mississippi.

Cost

How much do solar panels cost in Mississippi?

Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Mississippi homeowner needs a 10.95 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $30,460 before incentives. Prices range from $25,891 to $35,029, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%. 

While this may sound high, it will pay off in Mississippi. That's why over 800 Mississippi homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 12.71 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.

Solar panel systems are expensive, but there are ways to finance your investment and reduce upfront costs.

  • Cash purchase: You pay for your system outright, which typically provides the best long-term savings. 

  • Solar loan: You pay for your system in monthly installments like a lease but maintain ownership like a cash purchase. Generally, the best solar loans are subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs. If you don’t have access to that, a home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options. Private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.

  • Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): You make monthly payments on your system like a loan, but a third-party company owns your system. You’ll either sign a solar lease or purchase the electricity the panels generate through a PPA. Third-party ownership models typically deliver the lowest savings and have earned some bad press. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.

Solar panels on a house

Incentives

What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Mississippi?

Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Mississippi. Here are the major ones to know about:

IncentiveAverage savings in MississippiDescription

Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC)

$9,138

Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30%

Is net metering available in Mississippi?

Mississippi doesn’t offer true net metering, but if you connect your solar panel system to the grid, you can benefit from net billing. The catch is that the utility companies only offer partial credit for every kWh you send to the grid. You'll have to sell the electricity to them at a significant discount, compared to what they’ll charge you to buy that electricity back later. Consider installing a solar battery to squeeze the most possible value out of your solar panels under net billing.

A house with rooftop solar panels connected to the grid

Equipment

Equipment quality

The more efficient a solar panel is, the more power per square foot. As of 2025, the most popular solar panels have a rated output of 450 watts. To get the most out of your solar energy system, choose panels with at least that much power output. 

Your solar inverter setup is also important consideration—make sure it suits your roof’s layout. 

And if you’re interested in a solar battery, it’s best to choose one that integrates with that inverter. 

The best equipment tends to be more expensive, but it will often save you more money in the end. Premium equipment often has the best warranty terms, guaranteeing 25-40 years of coverage for repairs, replacements, and the lowest degradation rates (meaning they’ll maintain more of their power output for longer). 

See our list of the best solar panels

Companies

Who are the best solar installers in Mississippi?

We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Mississippi:

Ready to start looking for a solar installer?

Here are some of the most popular ones near you:

resources

Top solar resources for Mississippi

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